Released 6/26/09
Cicada came to exist originally as the remix and production duo of Alex and Aaron, and in no time released a series of acclaimed remixes of artists as diverse as Depeche Mode, New Order, Chelonis Jones, Electric Six, 13 Senses and even lad-rock heroes The Enemy. They soon started working on their own material and after a series of singles released their debut album through Payne’s own indie label Critical Mass. Mixmag declared it ‘a gorgeous selection of songs’, while DJ mag gave it the seal of approval, stating that the record, ‘excels with its retro vs modern feel’. The follow up to their self-titled debut album of 2006, ‘Roulette’ effortlessly ranges in styles; from the best moments of vintage electro-pop on the euphoric lead single ‘Metropolis’ (already receiving support from BBC Radio 1), to the darkest recesses of electronic-indie on ‘Executive’, featuring Tom Smith of Editors on vocals. Dance fans will hear echoes of William Orbit’s finest moments and Daft Punk’s seminal debut on the gloriously percussive ‘P-Star’. Indie fans will latch onto Technique-era New Order. Pop fans will simply hear great melodies and concise song-writing reminiscent of Blondie at their peak. Throughout, ‘Roulette’ is underpinned by consistently big and intelligent beats, washes of glorious synths, and the haunting, hugely melodic vocals of Icelandic siren Heidrun Bjornsdottir.
Metropolis One Beat Away Talking Mr P Star Executive Psycho Thrills Love Don't Come Easy Green Light Tears Don't Stare At The Sun Tiad