Artfully capturing cycles or repetition within relationships, “Cicada” is a riveting new track from Austin-based artist Leila Sunier. “Maybe I could shed more than myself,” her dreamy vocals let out amidst a calmy buzzing synth pad and glistening arpeggio, utilizing a cicada metaphor in reference to personal growth.
Further depictions of a relationship in strife due to particular demands — “you want me to be good,” — and an ensuing lack of fit thoroughly consume within an art-pop enthrallment. Additional elements — like the warped effect of her grandmother’s voice and the backing sound of a rumbling bus — complement the dreamy electro-pop swell with further immersion.
“The cicada metaphor stuck with me because they experience metamorphosis, it’s not even a complete transformation. And when they do emerge, they’re not even conventionally beautiful.” Sunier explains. “That felt like the right parallel for this song.”
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
