Messages (San Cisco song)
"Messages" is a song by Australian indie pop band San Cisco, released on 10 July 2020 as the second single from their fourth studio album Between You and Me (2020).
| "Messages" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by San Cisco | ||||
| from the album Between You and Me | ||||
| Written | 2018–2020[1] | |||
| Released | 10 July 2020 | |||
| Recorded | 2018–2020[1] | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 3:19 | |||
| Label | Island City Records | |||
| Songwriter(s) |
| |||
| Producer(s) |
| |||
| San Cisco singles chronology | ||||
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Background and release
"Messages" was released on 10 July 2020, alongside the announcement of San Cisco's fourth studio album Between You and Me.[4] Lead vocalist Jordi Davieson said of the song in a press release:
""Messages" is a tongue-in-cheek bop about shitty friends. Originally the lyrics were loosely inspired by my frustration with [drummer] Scarlett never replying to my messages, but when we decided the track would be much better with her singing vocals instead, she added in a few of her annoyances about me. It turned into quite a constructive process for our friendship! She still never replies to messages..."[4]
Composition and lyrics
Gigwise described the song as having "eighties synth [which] mingles with disco bass and splashy percussion" and "bittersweet" lyrics,[2] whilst music critic Thomas Bleach noted the song as having a "pop aesthetic".[3] The lyrics "explore the annoyances of shitty friendships and highlights the frustrating reality of being left on read."[3]
Critical reception
Al Newstead of Triple J labelled the song "another upbeat pop".[1]
Jessie Atkinson of Gigwise described the song as a "bubblegum new cut", further stating "evokes the feeling of going out on the town even when you're feeling a bit down in the dumps."[2]
Thomas Bleach called the song a "short and punchy pop track", additionally describing it as a "playful concept... executed in a really upbeat fashion."[3]
Music video
The music video was released on 9 July 2020 and was directed by Duncan Wright.[5]
Synopsis
The music video depicts the band "performing at a dance with clips of drummer and singer Scarlett Stevens chatting on a lips designed phone whilst doing things like working out.[6]
Reception
Gigwise praised the music video as a "total Austin Powers affair: all lemon yellow décor, hotpants and lip phones."[2] Triple J's Al Newstead labelled it a "cracking" video.[1] ColoRising found the set to be "vibrantly designed" and "clever", saying it gives the video a "fun and cheeky appeal".[6]
Track listings
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Messages" |
| 3:19 |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4. | "Messages" |
| 3:19 |
Credits and personnel
Adapted from the parent album's liner notes.[8]
San Cisco
- Jordi Davieson – writer, vocals
- Josh Biondillo – guitar, keys
- Scarlett Stevens – drums, vocals
Other musicians
- James Ireland – production
- Steve Schram – production
References
- Fuamoli, Sose (10 July 2020). "San Cisco announce new album, Between You and Me". Triple J. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
- Atkinson, Jessie (8 July 2020). "First Play: San Cisco are so done with your shit in new single 'Messages'". Gigwise. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
- Bleach, Thomas (12 July 2020). "Single Review: San Cisco – Messages". Thomas Bleach. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
- Triscari, Caleb (10 July 2020). "San Cisco announce new album, 'Between You and Me'". NME Australia. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
- "San Cisco – Messages (Official Video)". 9 July 2020. Retrieved 4 September 2020 – via YouTube.
- "San Cisco 'Messages' Video". ColoRising. 10 July 2020. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
- "Messages – Single by San Cisco on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
- Between You and Me (booklet). San Cisco. Island City Records. 2020.
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