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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.
Beautiful performance by Cigarettes after Sex. Great sound and venue but the lighting was blinding and directed to the audience 80% of the time. The band was hardly visible.
Checking into the venue with the app, the staff, the sound, the lighting was all great but what on earth was that 30 minute "film" of rain on a beach in b&w with a orchestral song on loop instead of an opener. The most self indulgent power move of obnoxiousness from a band that I have seen in a long time.
There’s not a lot to say except you must see them live.
I don’t know if the opener cancelled or what...but we were standing with no entertainment for 2 hours (there from 7pm). And the band only played for an hour. I wish wee we’re notified prior that the band wasn’t going on until 9pm. Venue was good. I couldn’t enjoy the band (I was a fan) because my legs hurt so much from standing in one spot waiting for them. EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED
They should have been more specific about the time the show began. On the tickets it said 7pm- we drove an hour to get to the venue, and ended up having to wait 2 hours as the show only started at 9 pm. The wait is some times understandable, but with no seating at the venue and the actual show only lasting a little under an hour, I felt like it was a waste of my time and money. They could have at least provided seating or an opening bad for entertainment, as we ended up standing for 2 hours simply waiting.
My experience was amazing! It was my friends first concert and she loved it. We were able to have a encore. The fans were amazing. Definitely would go again
It was my first time seeing them and I really enjoyed myself. I love the mood and staff was helpful when finding my seat. The only bad thing was that it was too short. I thought it would be longer. Overall, it was a good show.
It was a really nice show. They came on shortly after 9 but left around 10:15. Most shows I've been to are closer to two hours. Not this one.
Nostalgic night. The band impressed, per usual. They played two encore songs, which blew the crowd away. I really enjoyed the venue—plenty of bars and concessions, and bathrooms were very easy to navigate. Overall great experience!
The show was great! The Wiltern is a beautiful place for an intimate show experience! Cigarettes After Sex put on a great performance! They were mesmerizing to watch and to listen to. My only complaint was that the volume of the show seemed a too loud at times which took away from there intimate feel overall. Also, while in the balcony the stage lights shined bright white directly into the balcony seats here and there throughout the show, which made seeing the band on stage difficult to see. A few modifications for the future but overall a great experience.
This was my first show in the Wiltern Theater and I have to say, it was such a great experience. The band was fantastic and the sound was amazing. The drums sounded so clean as well as every other instrument in the songs. Ticketmaster is such a great place to review and check your tickets with great security. I will definitely go to Wiltern again!
The Fox Theatre is an outstanding venue, and a perfect opportunity for Cigarettes After Sex to shine in their performance. Unfortunately, it was a rather unpleasant, assulting show instead. "Why?", you may ask? Let's start with the sound. The theatre has many sound speakers on the left and right sides of the stage. All of them were turn up to ELEVEN! (That's too loud for those of you who didn't see Spinal Tap.) The group's music is defined varyingly as dream pop, softcore, etc. It is not the kind of music that should be blasted so loud that your water bottle vibrates along with your chest! I was worried I was experiencing some sort of cardiac arythmia. I had to go out to the lobby and purchase earplugs. I saw a gal sitting out in the lobby looking a bit unhappy, all by herself. So I asked her, are you out here because the music is too loud? She said, "Yes!" My recommendation? Tone it down...WAY down. I saw this group in Vancouver Canada, and they were sublime, and so was the volume. What a coincidence. For all I know, they were probably sublime at the Fox Theatre too, but I couldn't tell because my head was on the verge of exploding from the decibel overload. Another problem was that the stage was too dark. The poor keyboard player was in the back, and almost never got seen. Good thing he can play blind. They also employed floodlights in the rear of the stage. They were used quite effectively to blind the audience. Now, don't get me wrong. I love Cigarettes After Sex, and I will likely go see them again. But I certainly hope someone connected to them fires their soundcheck guy and finds a competent replacement.
i bought two tickets one for myself and girlfriend, the show was good but the cocktail waitress was terribly rude. she actually shoved me while passing through the GA area before the show, when i turned around to say excuse me, she said ‘first of all you’re at a concert, second of all i work here’ basically implying that she can treat people how she wants because she works at the theater. as i said, the show was great but the customer service was terrible. i’m not sure that i’ll attend another concert at this venue if the customers aren’t valued.
They never disappoint. Pulled all of my heart strings. I love them.
This was hands down the most pleasant and enjoyable concert I've ever attended. There was no pushing, shoving, moshing, crowd surfing and not a single hectic fan in sight. Just pure bliss and entertainment. The band themselves put up an amazing performance. The lead singer Greg Gonzalez sounded just as amazing on stage as he does in the studio. Definitely would attend another show next time.
The venue was cozy and personal, the visuals were simple but perfect, the music and sound was amazing. The band was superb. Best show I’ve been to in a long time. Love was everywhere in the air and the band was playing just for us ☺️
They were excellent! So sexy. Venue was great. The perfect sound.
The show timings said it would start at 9 but the band wasn't on stage till 9.45. The organisers could have done that part better and at least announced the delay or done something else during the time. Or upfront told us it starts at 9.45. The crowd got restless and annoyed. But the band more than made up for it. Thoroughly enjoyed the show!!
They went on nearly an hour late with no explanation. While they sounded good when they finally started, it was a snooze fest! There were people all around literally sleeping! They stood in one place and had minimal, pretentious stage presence. We left early... which I have never done before.
They started 45 min late and only played for an hour. The show was meh after that
