SINGLE REVIEW: Cicadia - "Sleep Serum"

Cicadia drops groovy Swancore hit with “Sleep Serum”

Written by JD Walker

“Swancore” is a relatively new phenomena in the post-hardcore scene, named after Will Swan of the genre-pioneering band Dance Gavin Dance. Many amazing bands have come out of the movement including Hail The Sun, Eidola, Stolas, A Lot Like Birds, and a host of others. Cicada has more than earned their spot among these genre giants with their newest single, “Sleep Serum”.

Cicadia is a post-hardcore quintet hailing from Oklahoma City. Composed of vocalist Dylan McBride, guitarists Caleb Klusmeyer and Jeremy Dolezel, bassist Ethan Bybee, and drummer Dylan Brooks, the band displays amazing musical chemistry and proficiency with their instruments. The group features members of the popular post-hardcore act Lilac Kings (McBride and Klusmeyer) and features some tonal similarities, but many elements that are unique to Cicadia.

“Sleep Serum” starts off in high gear with soaring vocals, quick triplets, and dancing melodies. The song quickly falls back to more of a relaxed, ambient vibe while slowly crescendoing into more high energy vocals until slamming the listener back into heaviness. “Sleep Serum” combines the best aspects of post-hardcore, post-rock, and math rock for one mind spinning track that leaves the listener guessing. 

“Sleep Serum” is an absolute banger from top to bottom. It’s one of those unicron songs that features complex melodies and rhythms but remains accessible to a broad audience. Cicadia’s musicianship is undeniable and their songwriting ability is fantastic without any doubt. “Sleep Serum” serves as a great introductory track for the band but also for the genre as a whole - if you’re new to the world of post-hardcore, math rock, or Swancore, Cicadia is a great band to start with. They’ll give you an idea of what the movement is all about and open the door to an entirely different world of melody and rhythm.