About this item

With X’s, Cigarettes After Sex finally takes center stage as not just one of today’s preeminent indie bands, but as one of the most globally accomplished acts across any genre, whose often unconventional path to superstardom has helped reshape the very definition of success for artists in the modern era.

Filled with raw, imagistic, sometimes smutty vignettes set to entrancing, slowburn pop songs, bandleader Greg Gonzalez captures every emotion a romantic arc inspires. But where previous albums have drawn from an amalgam of relationships, for the most part, 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.”

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.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Soaring slo-mo balladry and shimmering ambient washes beneath the echoic guitar melodies and Gonzalez' always haunting vocal syrup. It's as enchanting and ethereal as ever, and will no doubt be a big hit like everything else they've done. A beautifully rich, decadent return for Cigarettes After Sex.

Thursday 11th July - Album Listening Party

We're excited to announce that we'll be celebrating the release of the new Cigarettes After Sex LP on Thursday 11th July with an exclusive listening party in the shop at 5pm.

There'll be goodies to give away including postcards and tote bags, and we'll also have a limited edition picture disc edition of the album available to order on the day. 

Entry to the event is free, but capacity is limited so preorder your copy of the album now to guarantee entry.

TRACK LISTING

1: X's
2: Tejano Blue
3: Silver Sable
4: Hideaway
5: Holding You, Holding Me
6: Dark Vacay
7: Baby Blue Movie
8: Hot
9: Dreams From Bunker Hill
10: Ambien Slide