Track Review: Midnight Masquerade // Kit Citrine
Compared to the likes of Hayley Williams, Demi Lovato, Idina Menzel, Florence Welch and Amy Lee, US-based Kit Citrine is a hard-hitting force of nature. Touching on elements of mental health, gender identity, sexuality and significant societal issues, Kit is not afraid to explore life in its entirety. While we are only discovering Kit now, they have been a part of the entertainment industry for over 25 years performing for the first time at age six in a stage production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’. In fact, Kit has also performed across the US at festivals, concerts and major sporting events like the Davis Cup. Come with us as we take a look at their debut single ‘Midnight Masquerade’.
Opening with soft, tender vocals, Kit takes your hand as we enter a world of desperation and struggles. Yet, while the verses have a strong smoothness, the transition to catchy choruses is much heavier bringing a pop-rock meets melodic metal design. Tossing you into a whirlpool of kaleidoscopic music, ‘Midnight Masquerade’ easily ensnares your senses. While the melody can certainly hold its own with well-placed drums and guitars, it is Kit’s vocals that are the true star of this show. Brilliantly textured and layered, Kit showcases her wide vocal range as her voice is arranged in the foreground and background – something I find intriguing in music production.
Described as a cathartic call of frustration by The Other Side Reviews, ‘Midnight Masquerade’ is inspired by Kit’s life events. Touching on themes of grief and depression following their father’s death, the song truly is a cathartic call of frustration. The desperation and angst heard in Kit’s vocals merely enhance the tragedy of the track. Kit explains that they needed to “turn to songwriting to process my feelings. I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through that time without my music as an outlet.”
Overall, I adore the song! A fan of pop-rock, I find ‘Midnight Masquerade’ soothing with a tinge of tumultuous, brutal honesty in the mix. I can’t wait for more from Kit Citrine.