Cicada is the musical project of Paris-born brothers Nathan and Elliott. Whilst born in France’s capital, the pair grew up in Provence, in the South of France, and the sun kissed azure coastlines of the region feel like they have infected the warm, hazy Mediterranean vibes of their music.
The pair, now 21 (Nathan) and 24 (Elliott), formed much of their sonic identity whilst on family road trips, a combination of Daft Punk, Justice, Pharrell Williams, and Michael Jackson fuelling their early love of music. In time, alternative hip-hop has influenced their taste, as they found artists including Tyler, The Creator, Kaytranada, Kanye West, and Childish Gambino.
The resulting sound is a tropical, lusty blend of house with pop and disco touches. Here on Cicada’s latest song, You, created in partnership with Noelle Vanyi, the pair wrap swirling melodies around her yearning, cut-up vocal. The lyrics are deliberately left open to interpretation, the You of the song’s title an invitation to the listener to make the song fit their own narrative.
What stands out to me on You is the seamless, crisp way that Cicada have layered together elements in the production. Noelle’s vocal is looped and sliced in interesting ways, without allowing it to disintegrate into pure instrumentation, as shimmering chords create a warm feeling in the listener. Towards the song’s conclusion, tom toms begin to roll, creating a lively, snappy sound that mimics the energy of live instrumentation.
Throughout the entirety of You, bass throbs, echoing string synth melodies, conjuring a sound that feels like it is about to crack beneath the warmth of the sun and the pounding of dancing feet… As we descend into a chilly autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, You has me longing for the warmth of hot sunshine.
Check out the song below, and add it on Spotify here.