From soundtracking one of the most memorable scenes in Twin Peaks: The Return to announcing a headline show at Spark Arena a whole year out, Cigarettes After Sex have had an unexpected and heady trajectory to say the least. Their dreamy indie torch songs have won the hearts of fans in all corners, and with the announcement of new album X’s, they’re set to cement their place in our hearts once and for all. Whereas previous records have sung the songs of love, X’s (say it out loud for a clue) is a chronicling of a break-up frontman Greg Gonzales can’t and won’t forget. – Flying Out

WithXs, Cigarettes After Sex finally takes centre stage as not just one of todays 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,Xscentralises 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 wouldnt scratch the surface. I have to really write about it, sing about it, have the music, and then I can start to analyse and learn from it. Or just relive itin a good way. I dont 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.

Tracklist

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