Album Review: Cicada Rhythm (Self-Titled)

Courtesy Riot Act Media

Cicada Rhythm consists of married couple Andrea DeMarcus and Dave Kirslis; she is a Julliard-trained singer/standup bassist while he is a singer/guitarist and together, like the cicada, they have a rhythm that is uniquely their own. This past Friday the Athens, Georgia based duo released their debut full length album via Normaltown Records. The project contains twelve roots based songs (including “In The Garden” which premiered on NPR) that are original and inventive; spanning the quiet to the rocky, the fresh to the vintage - all the while remaining timeless.

With their use of strings and their distinctive vocals (DeMarcus can sound like Nikki Lane or a folky Erykah Badu) Cicada Rhythm makes music that is impactful, whether they are harmonizing on a haunting love song (“Static In My Dream”), recalling an earlier rocking sound (“Dirty Hound”) or infusing a song with jazzy undertones (“Round Yellow Suitcase”). Encouraging one to let love in opens the album with “The Keeper” on which she sings “You came to have a distrust for happiness.” Following, there are many more story songs that are elegant, thought provoking and impactful such as “The Farmer,” “Werewolf,” “Ms. Eloise” and the ethereal “Shadows Before You” on which she sings, “I know you learned from the past and I’m sorry it’s still a mess…..I hope you can save your tears for something happy.” The gentle “Walking Late” and peaceful “Do Not Destroy” round out an album that with its deep lyrics may take a few listens to fully grasp, but with each successive listen you will find something new and grow to enjoy it more.... I know I did. 

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