Hanh Truong on December 5th, 2020

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L.A. duo Classixx met fellow Angelenos Local Natives at a wedding in Mexico a few years ago. The two groups clicked immediately.

“They’re the kind of people who become lifelong friends within the span of a van ride to the airport,” Classixx’s Michael David and Tyler Blake said on their Instagram account.

The two groups began collaborating on music and finally released “Weekends,” their first single together, last month. And as if the emotions from the nuptials are still lingering in the air, Classixx and Local Natives then came out with a love song called “Francesca.”

Released via the label Innovative Leisure, the singles take Classixx from their home of electropop to a new avenue — one with edge and glimmering harmonies. “Francesca” is reminiscent of ’80s pop hits infused with evocative melodies and wistful lyricism. The song features Local Natives vocalist Kelcey Ayer’s gliding voice, stirring synths and a lush guitar solo.

“‘Francesca’ is a song that we’ve always wanted to make. Bright poly synths, big resonant drums and an anthemic vocal stack. When Kelcey first sang the verse and chorus melodies softly at a piano, it felt like our opportunity to go for it,” Classixx say. “The framework came together quickly but we really took our time with every sound and section. I’m not sure if it comes across as a carefully crafted production, but I do feel triumphant when I hear it because it sounds just like the song we always imagined.”

Both have also recently put out individual projects. Earlier this year, Classixx teamed up with Roosevelt in their retro-dance single, “One More Song.” And just last month, Local Natives released their four-track EP, “Sour Lemon.”

||| Stream: “Weekends” and “Francesca”