Despite possessing arguably one of the less impressive band names within the music industry, Cigarettes After Sex have established themselves as successful creators of slowcore and dream pop since the release of their inaugural album seven years prior. Though both Greg Gonzalez’s leisurely vocals and the unique interpretation of indie rock from the Texan group may initially require acclimatisation, there is undeniably considerable enjoyment to be found once its charm clicks.
Their third studio record, much like those preceding it, lacks a sense of originality or revelation, focusing instead on the archetype of romance and heartbreak conveyed through introspective offerings. What sets this album apart is the narrative is built primarily upon Gonzalez’s personal reflections of one specific four-year relationship, encompassing the ebbs and flows seen from Blue Tejano’s longing to Dark Vacay’s lament (‘I replay your final voicemail / Followed by the words of the suicide hotline’). Other tracks merely present snapshots in time from more joyful periods, as depicted in Dreams from Bunker Hill: ‘Remember when we first moved to Bunker Hill, our shared joy was palpable / We strolled for wine and snacks then rain began to pour’. The album’s contemplative score provides the perfect backdrop for Gonzalez’s lyricism which often flows in a stream of consciousness style.
Dark Vacay could easily be part of the soundtrack at the fictitious Twin Peaks diner, while Silver Sable and Baby Blue Movie hint at a possible fusion of Beach House and The xx’s musical offspring. The nostalgic guitar sound, heavy with reverb and the mournful drive of tracks like Hot and Ambien Slide, add to the album’s overall air of sorrow and remorse.
On occasions, the band’s unchanging style in terms of melody and tempo can become weary – this won’t be the most eclectic album you’ll encounter in 2024. Nonetheless, repeated plays reveal a meditative undertone which injects the songs with an almost trance-like quality that grows increasingly captivating. This may not be a universally appreciated record, however, Gonzalez and his bandmates are content embodying the sentiment of the phrase “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.