Cigarettes Cigarettes After Sex: Ethereal Dream Pop Architects Reimagining Love and Longing Through Music

Cigarettes After Sex, an American dream pop ensemble founded in El Paso, Texas, in 2008 by vocalist and guitarist Greg Gonzalez, has emerged as a significant force in contemporary music. The band delves into love, longing, and intimacy themes with an ethereal sound characterized by dreamy melodies and introspective lyrics. Many critics have highlighted Gonzalez's androgynous voice, which adds a haunting quality to their music, creating a unique listening experience that resonates deeply with fans.

The band's journey began with the release of their debut extended play, I., in 2012, featuring the notable track "Nothing's Gonna Hurt You Baby." The song's slow ascent to popularity, fueled by commercial licensing, established Cigarettes After Sex in the indie music scene. Their trajectory continued upward with the release of the single "Affection" in 2015, before their self-titled debut studio album, which hit shelves in June 2017 to critical acclaim.

Gonzalez recorded I. in a stairwell at the University of Texas at El Paso, describing the process as serendipitous—a blend of experimentation and happenstance. The band’s name arose from a personal anecdote involving a brief romantic relationship, illustrating how personal experiences heavily influence their artistic output. Critics have pointed out that the name is memorable and evocative, helping to cement the band’s identity.

As Gonzalez relocated to Brooklyn, New York, the band's acclaim spread through social media and music recommendations, culminating in live performances across the globe, including Europe, Asia, and North America. The second single from their debut album, "Apocalypse," was released in March 2017. While it initially struggled to find its footing on the charts, the song became a TikTok sensation in 2022, amassing over 1.5 billion streams on Spotify by late 2024.

In August 2019, Cigarettes After Sex announced plans for their second studio album, Cry, alongside the single "Heavenly." Released on October 25, 2019, the album further solidified their standing in the music industry. In the following years, they continued offering new material, including the singles "You're All I Want" in 2020 and "Pistol" in November 2022.

Two additional singles, "Bubblegum" and "Stop Waiting," were released in the summer of 2023, showcasing the band’s continuous evolution. In December, they covered Radiohead's "Motion Picture Soundtrack," displaying their flair for reinterpreting classic tracks.

Significantly, on February 28, 2024, the band announced their third studio album, X's, along with a worldwide tour slated for 2024 and 2025. This announcement coincided with the release of the lead single "Tejano Blue," which draws inspiration from Gonzalez's upbringing in El Paso. The tour's promotional campaign included the singles "Dark Vacay" and "Baby Blue Movie," leading up to the album's release on July 12, 2024. The album received favourable reviews for its captivating soundscapes and emotional depth.

Musically, Cigarettes After Sex has been described as "elemental, hazy, and romantic," offering a sound that bridges the intimate and the danceable. Critics like Christina Cacouris from Noisey by Vice have remarked on the band’s ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and emotion through its ambient qualities. Influences such as French chanteuse Françoise Hardy and jazz legend Miles Davis permeate their work alongside notable films like *L'Avventura* and The Double Life of Veronique. Their sound also draws comparisons to iconic 90s groups like Mazzy Star and Cocteau Twins, further enriching their musical tapestry.

Music bloggers consistently celebrate the band for its evocative and tender vocal delivery, which many agree can create a profound emotional connection with listeners. Jae Pyl's review of "Affection" on Independentmusicnews.com underscored the intimate nature of their sound, suggesting that it compels listeners to confront their own emotions, thus solidifying Cigarettes After Sex's status as both a compelling and transformative presence in today's indie music landscape.

Cigarettes After Sex has carved a unique niche in the modern music landscape with their haunting soundscapes and evocative lyrics that deeply connect with listeners. By skillfully blending elements of dream pop, shoegaze, and indie rock, the band has managed to resonate with a diverse audience, gaining a loyal following worldwide. Their journey from humble beginnings in El Paso to international acclaim reflects their artistic evolution and the power of personal experiences in shaping their music as they release new material and embark on tours. Cigarettes After Sex is a testament to the enduring appeal of introspective music that captures our lives' complexities of love and emotion. With each new project, they reaffirm their status as a vital and influential force in contemporary music.