Review
Cigarettes After Sex's sophomore album, "Cry," which graced our ears on October 25, 2019, takes you on a deeply emotional journey through the nuanced corridors of love, heartbreak, and the often tangled web of human connections. Recorded in an exquisite house on the Spanish island of Mallorca, this album breathes with the band's signature ambient pop sound—a sound that feels as if it floats in the soft light of dawn, tinged with an ineffable beauty that borders on the uneasy. Each of the nine tracks, penned by the introspective frontman Greg Gonzalez, oscillates between the aches of toxic relationships and the bittersweet whispers of unrequited love, all wrapped in soothing yet vulnerable vocals that make you feel like he's sharing secrets only with you.
The minimalist instrumentation of "Cry" adds to its raw, live-recorded feel, allowing the emotional intensity to seep into every melody and rhythm. Standout tracks like "Heavenly" and "Falling in Love" are sure to haunt your dreams with their ethereal beauty, while songs like "Cry" and "Touch" leave you pondering Gonzalez's deeply reflective lyrics. The entire album, produced by Gonzalez, is a testament to capturing the pure, unfiltered energy of live performances, earning it praise for its cathartic and soul-stirring qualities. "Cry" isn't just an album; it's a rich tapestry of soundscapes that resonate with the complexities of love, turning every listen into a compelling and introspective experience. - Lexi