From the opening of Leilani Patao’s new single “kiddy scissors”, the instrumentals give vibes of Clairo’s early work, serving as an excellent backdrop for their songwriting.
The new track — taken from their upcoming project Daisy Deluxe — is built around cutting their partner’s hair. They work in intimate details from their dorm room couch, a twin bed, and the titular “kiddy scissors”, serving as little details that let us enter into Patao’s world.
“I saw your parents’ house, I saw our old playground / In chunks of hair on my dorm room couch” is the line that stood out to me the most. It’s personal without being indulgent to the listener. During the chorus, a second voice enters quietly on the line “An acceptance; you look so beautiful when I ask you to dance / And I love what we are becoming; I cut your hair and you like it.” It’s like Patao’s partner is reciprocating what they’re feeling; it adds a layer of warmth to the already warm track without overpowering their voice. It’s one of the track’s better personal moments to me.
Written, mixed, and produced by Patao themselves, and with drums from Nat Yew, “kiddy scissors” feels like an artist finding their own footing. In a message, Patao shared that they made the song as the sun started coming out this spring. The sunny feeling definitely carries throughout the song.
For those wanting more, Daisy Deluxe comes out July 24. Take a look at the music video for “kiddy scissors” below.
Written by Anthony Perez
