Discography

Browse the complete collection of Cicada's albums and EPs, spanning from 2010 to 2019.

Each Cicada album is conceived as a continuous journey, often tracing the natural landscapes and seasonal rhythms of Taiwan. The compositions unfold like movements in a larger suite, inviting listeners to wander through misty forests, along rugged coastlines, and across quiet ocean shores. The ensemble's chamber instrumentation—violin, cello, piano, and occasional guest voices—creates an intimate, cinematic soundscape that feels both deeply personal and expansively open. This careful attention to narrative flow means that every record rewards attentive listening from start to finish, offering a meditative experience that mirrors the unhurried pace of a long hike through the island's mountainous interior.

The band's early EPs established a signature blend of classical precision and folk-influenced melody, setting the stage for a decade of exploration. Over the years, Cicada has refined its voice by incorporating field recordings, subtle electronic textures, and collaborations with visual artists and filmmakers. Each release documents a specific moment in the group's creative evolution, from the raw immediacy of their debut to the richer, more layered arrangements of later works. The discography thus serves as a living archive of artistic growth, where each new album builds upon the last while venturing into fresh emotional and sonic territory.

Several albums in the catalog are directly inspired by Taiwan's literature and poetry, weaving literary references into the fabric of the music. These works translate written imagery into instrumental narratives, capturing the melancholy, wonder, and quiet resilience found in the island's literary traditions. The music does not simply accompany the texts but reinterprets them through melody and harmony, creating a dialogue between word and sound. For listeners familiar with the source material, these albums offer a new dimension of appreciation; for those discovering the stories through the music, they serve as an evocative invitation to explore Taiwan's rich cultural heritage.

Beyond the studio recordings, Cicada's discography includes live sessions and soundtrack contributions that capture the ensemble's improvisational energy and adaptability. The group's music has accompanied documentary films and stage performances, demonstrating how their compositions can thrive in varied contexts. These releases often reveal a rawer, more immediate side of the band, with extended instrumental passages and spontaneous interplay that differ from the polished studio versions. Collectively, the full catalog forms a cohesive body of work that balances meticulous craftsmanship with a willingness to embrace the unexpected, reflecting the ever-changing landscapes that inspire the music.