Grey hues on anthracite have rarely been so warm. X’s is Cigarettes After Sex’s new record and you shouldn’t miss it. Review.
X’S – CIGARETTES AFTER SEX
There was a mutual admiration between Françoise Hardy and Cigarettes After Sex. With their sensual, warm and vaporous aesthetics, it all makes sense. For their third record, X’s, Cigarettes After Sex don’t stray from their path and stay consistent with the style that forged their reputation. Greg Gonzalez’s peculiar voice beautifully carries romantic, direct, and sometimes raw, lyrics. There, atmospheres come and go between a pale sweet morning and the depth of a warm night. But nothing really changes.
With short and efficient lyrics, the band paints intimate humane pictures. If throughout the album, all ambiences are similar, the subtility exists and must be found in the nuances carried by strong bass lines and discreetly shimmering guitar chords. From the start, X’s, the band sets that contrast. The chorus is deliciously memorable, as are Tenjano Blue’s and Holding you, Holding me’s. Silver Sable and Hot are also remarkable thanks to their particular feelings and taste.
But the jewel of this record, for me, is Dark Vacay which sublimes the idea of a chiaroscuro summer. There is something hypnotic in its melody which makes it fundamentally captivating. Baby Blue Movie takes slightly darker undertones, but then again these nuances are subtle. With so much consistency in their style, Cigarettes After Sex don’t really create the surprise with X’s. Nevertheless, despite the lack of risks, it’s a fantastic album with a clear and hypnotic sensuality.
The band will tour Europe and UK this autumn.
