The new single from the Sad Club artist is a vividly drawn gem.

Kitty Fitz’ new single, ‘Laughing Stock,’ captures feeling at your lowest, but does so with such elegant lucidity. The London-based artist, signed to Sad Club Records and also known for her bass playing with Prima Queen and Lilo, has always put thoughtful songwriting at the heart of her work, and this track is among her strongest in that regard: “I’ve got nothing to give you man, just some leftover lust and the higher ground.”

The words are propelled by a driving looping chord progression, sketched out by a downbeat electric keyboard which nonetheless contrasts the mood with its indie lilt. A winding guitar sound expresses the weirdness of a guilty inner world while synths buzz in a manner reminiscent of the only good thing about ‘Maxwell’s Silver Hammer.’

A list of scenes of emotional unavailability and wastes of beautiful moments passes by, driven inevitably onwards by the movement of the tune. We feel the fleeting moments of optimism in lines like, “Show you my favourite film; never speak again,” tossed over the singer’s shoulder. The song concludes neatly, not on a simple redemption of past wrongs but with an acceptance that there is always capacity to change: “Everything else I gave away, but at least I’m trying to be honest for a change.” The straight-ahead navigation of complex emotional terrain throughout the song shows Kitty Fitz at her best.