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Ten years ago, Greg Gonzalez was having a really rough Valentine's Day. Freshly heartbroken with no hope of reconciliation, he spent two hours driving from his hometown El Paso to play a show, and he listened to Sade's "By Your Side" on repeat both ways. "The experience that day stuck in my bones--it was an idea that I couldn't forget," says Gonzalez, the frontman of Cigarettes After Sex. "I thought, how do I make a record that feels like that?"
Filled with raw, imagistic, sometimes smutty vignettes set to entrancing, slowburn pop songs, Gonzalez knows how to capture every emotion a romantic arc inspires. But where previous albums have drawn from an amalgam of relationships, for the most part, his anticipated third album 'X's' centralizes on just one relationship that spanned four years. "The record feels brutal," admits Gonzalez. "I could sit and talk about this loss to someone, but that wouldn't scratch the surface. I have to really write about it, sing about it, have the music, and then I can start to analyze and learn from it. Or just relive it--in a good way. I don't have that Eternal Sunshine-thing of wanting to forget."
This period was one of immense personal growth for Gonzalez, but it was also during these years that Cigarettes After Sex--completed by drummer Jacob Tomsky and bassist Randall Miller--hit staggering new levels in their career, transitioning from a preeminent indie act to one of the most globally accomplished acts across any genre.
And still, Cigarettes After Sex maintain their mystique, fans sharing their music like an illicit secret and this poignant ten song collection will certainly stoke the flames. While continuing to observe classic pop song structures, Gonzalez has moved away from the prior sonic touchstones of the '50s and '60s, finding himself now drawn to a '70s/'80s slow dance. While (in typical Cigarettes style) these changes may be subtle, the overall resulting energy is akin to disco ball-refracted tears on the dance floor.
Amazing show with top notch sound quality at the Neptune Theatre in Seattle, Washington. Though the set was a tad shorter than most bands one hour and twenty minutes, I would go see this band without hesitation. They make falling in love worth it time after time.
Really disappointed in the band, I paid money to see them play yet they only played for an hour? They came on stage one hour late an made everyone wait without any given reason why they were late? I was getting tired just waiting for them to play on stage. They came on stage just before 10 making us wait an hour because they were supposed to be on at 9. I waited an hour for them to only play a hour.. kind of bummed out I paid money for an only hour concert.
Great songwriting, absolutely astonishing lyrics and a cool band that appreciates the fans. Ticketmaster sucks so bad though.
Great venue and a really great band love the music they provide.
I was so lucky to stand right on the 1st row! Such a great night :x keep on loving them!
The band was tight and crisp and clear. Sounded just like their records, a very mellow gauzy show- a little somber. The lead singer was awesome but after awhile it was kinda repetitive. Folks who know this band , knew the words and sang along quietly. After leaving the concert I wanted to rehear the songs and see the lyrics to follow along. It was a lovely night.
Cigarettes After Sex was such a relaxed atmosphere. I saw them at the Port City Music Hall, in Portland, ME and the venue was small and cozy and perfect for such a soft and mellow band. I would definitely recommend them if you want to go to a low key concert and just enjoy the music.
If you would like to chill with your couple for a while with some good music then this is the one you should go.
cigs are amazing, the ambience was great and Greg's voice sounds just like it does in the studio, if not better. if you get the chance to go see them live.... don't miss that opportunity.
This band was even better in person than I ever imagined. Really impressive. But they started an HOUR late. By the time they went on I was very cranky because we were standing in one spot the entire wait. It was like a Disneyland line on opening day. But hearing their music in person was magical.
The show on the 13 was amazing to say the least. The small venue was beyond perfect and I am so happy I got to see them in such an intimate setting before they blow up because this band is gonna be big!
I had never seen Cigarettes After Sex play live before and wasn't sure what to expect. They exceeded my expectations and played a perfect set to an adoring crowd. Plus, the venue (Rough Trade) is probably the best in/around NYC (it's right up there with Bowery Ballroom). It was the perfect backdrop for this Brooklyn band. Great crowd too. If you get the chance to catch Cigarettes After Sex in your town, definitely go.
