Celine Cairo’s latest single, ‘Panacea’, arrives as a moment of stillness in a world that rarely pauses. Pop-infused yet deeply introspective, the track places her unmistakably beautiful voice at its centre, allowing every lyric to land with clarity and grace.
Written after a transformative month-long solo trip to Asia that marked a personal rebirth, ‘Panacea’ captures the feeling of life coming sharply into focus. Recorded partly on a Wurlitzer piano at her home in Amsterdam with partner and co-producer Benjamin Rheinlander, the track is richly textured without ever feeling crowded. India Bourne, known for her work with Ben Howard, lends a spine-tingling cello performance that weaves seamlessly through layers of synths and shimmering 12-string guitar. Subtle, beautiful effects ripple through the soundscape, giving the song a sense of depth, like exhaling after holding your breath for too long.
Lyrically, Cairo reflects on “coming home” to herself, dissolving the illusion that there is a cure for the human condition. In letting go of the endless pursuit of self-improvement, she finds freedom, and, in turn, offers it to us. The accompanying short film mirrors this sentiment perfectly. Its simple yet striking cinematography encourages us to stop, stand still, and breathe. Together, song and video create a layered, meditative release that feels both grounding and quietly transcendent.
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