Cikada overwhelms on outstanding LP, "Taking Shapes"
Leaving an overwhelmingly positive feeling after listening, we’re head over heels for Cikada’s newest record, Taking Shapes. Read on for a closer look at the album, in addition to a background on the artist.
Delicately mixing together an expert production, soft spoken vocals, and imagery-filled lyricism, every solitary moment of Cikada’s Taking Shapes is divine. After being overly impressed with the lead single “Tall Grass”, the full record and listen has emerged as something infinitely unique and a piece of music that’s perfectly challenging. For this Swedish born singer, it’s his first English release and we’re already over here hoping for more as soon as we can.
Malte Leander, who’s now much better known as Cikada, has blended an eclectic sound that focuses on a delivery bordering on spoken word. While he’s telling his stories and keeping all of our collective interests piqued, you can’t help but be utterly blown away by the rhythms and outstanding production. Hinging on every isolated song as a whole new world of atmospheric sound, he’s still created something that’s cohesive from start to finish. You feel immersed in it all from the opening notes and Cikada doesn’t let go of his grip until the final moments.
On the meaning of it all, Taking Shapes “refers to the ability to switch between showing different parts and sides to oneself in various contexts and situations, and to be continuously evolving and dynamic whilst remaining curious about new things”. That’s an ideal explanation and the story begins to unfold from the get go. Honestly, we feel like the true album experience is losing its appeal, but this artist has confidently put it all out on the line to create something whole.
With all that being said, please don’t miss this album! We’ve included all the important links below to listen, follow along, and to stay tuned for more on the way.
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