It's been more than 10 years since her last solo release, but Diana Vickers has returned to the pop fold with her sparkling new single, "Ice Cream." A jaunty electro-alt-pop confection, the song is Vickers' way of making it clear that she's back and this time, she's serving up something as bright and bold as her own personality. Produced by the powerhouse combo of Dee Adams, "Ice Cream" is an ice lolly laced with synths, sass, and a wicked wink to the camera.
From its opening beat, this becomes evident in the first track, which isn't just something to be heard but something to be felt, whether literally on the dance floor, in cars, or anywhere a summer vibe is in highest demand. "It's time to melt, babes," Diana proclaims herself, a saucy enticement that perfectly evokes the song's cheeky, playful spirit. There is liberation here, a knowing nod to those who live for the queer dance floor, the summer party, the moments that require untamed, unapologetic pleasure. Yes, sprinkles are optional, but fun is not.
"Ice Cream" tips its snazzy hat to her early hits and reminds Cyndi fans old and new of the irresistible charm that first won hearts, eagerly displaying the giddily fun spirit that cemented the foundation of her legendary status at the same time that it stays true to contemporary electro-pop style with a sound that's modern and utterly danceable. The result is a highly polished production that is not so sleek as to lose its surprising sense of spontaneity, allowing Vickers' girlish vocals to shine in a manner that is both confidently coy.
"Ice Cream" most luxurious feature is its attitude. It's an experience, a summer celebration of song, self, and a bit of indulgence. Diana Vickers returns with a manifesto of fun, an epic to let us all know that pop may still surprise, might still delight, and can and will rip your heart in two. In a pop landscape that often seems so path-dependent, "Ice Cream" is a reminder of what a delight it is to dare to be playful, cheeky, and unapologetically yourself. Diana Vickers is back, and she's sweeter, sassier, and more irresistible than ever before, sprinkling her magic across countless summer playlists with the release of her 2nd album.
Discover Diana Vickers on Instagram