Cigarettes After Sex – Cry

Simplicity is key; 'Cry' is minimal, delicate and simply humble in sound...

With Autumn in full swing, Cigarettes After Sex have blessed us with an album that’ll keep us wondering amongst spooky season. Blending a set of nine beautifully melodic tracks, 'Cry' is the keenly-anticipated second release fans have been waiting for.

Known for tracks like ‘Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby’ and ‘Apocalypse’, Cigarettes After Sex have since furthered their sound with more romance, heartache and exploration of sexuality. Having composed the music for 'Cry' not long after their debut album, the trio spent another two years curating their lyrics during late night strolls on their holiday in Mallorca.

Airy opener, ‘Don’t Let Me Go,’ is a sturdy and simplistic entrance into the album. As Gonzalez’s vocals drift across their instruments you can’t help but feel yourself glide along. Intimate and atmospheric, the tranquillising riffs piece for an easy-going listen. The slight strain in Gonzalez’s vocal suggests he’s yearning for something, or perhaps living amongst a certain nostalgia as he sings, “don’t let me go, stay with me still, I’ve missed you so.”

As each song gracefully transitions into the next, ‘Heavenly,’ rolls through a little more gloomy, encompassing that slowcore sound they stapled in 2012. Mellow, and somewhat grunge-like, repetitive lyrics – “I’m giving you all my love” – ring in your ears for a dreamlike ballad.

Nonchalant, innocent and simply just mesmerising, 'Cry' is pure from beginning to end and is a pleasant second instalment from the Texas three-piece. Sensual, ‘Touch,’ teases you In with Gonzalez’s crisp spoken-word delivery, and gentle fret work. With Randy’s delicate bass plucks this enchanting ballad entices your full attention. “Leading me on, every time we touch,” sings Gonzalez with a pinch of frustration.

Penultimate track ‘Falling in Love’ is pretty self-explanatory; a slow-motion journey through sound this ambient cut is easily the stand-out on the album. Fascinating by it’s tumblr aesthetic, this tune is fanciful with flirtation and wonder.

Concluding by surfing an ocean of sound on ‘Pure,’ this climactic song wraps up 'Cry' in a blanket of romance, you might be ready for this album, but I assure you, your heart isn’t.

8/10

Words: Laviea Thomas

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