Cigarettes After Sex Mesmerizes Atlanta with Intimate Performance

Cigarettes After Sex, an indie band noted for their ethereal and often melancholic music, performed at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta last Saturday as the ninth stop on their North American tour. The concert featured the band’s unique blend of atmospheric soundscapes that have captivated audiences worldwide.

An eager crowd, clad predominantly in black and gray attire, began gathering outside the venue from as early as 5 p.m., hoping to purchase merchandise, vinyl records, and CDs. Known for his androgynous voice and laid-back demeanor, lead singer and founder Greg Gonzalez maintained the ensemble’s distinct aura by beginning their set around 9 p.m. without a supporting act. The concert atmosphere was set by pre-show visuals—black-and-white video clips depicting enigmatic scenes of romance and ambivalence, familiar to fans who follow the band’s social media.

The performance commenced with the song titled “X’s” from their current album, immediately placing fans in the intimate setting that Cigarettes After Sex aims to create. Visuals included close-ups of Gonzalez, who wore sunglasses and was spotlighted against a dark backdrop, drawing the audience into a hypnotic experience.

The concert then deepened in engagement as the backdrop changed to highlight individual band members: Gonzalez, Jacob Tumsky on drums, and Randy Miller on bass. This intimate setup complemented the band’s alternating repertoire of new tracks from their “X’s” album and older favorites like “Cry,” “K.” and “Sunsetz.” Gonzalez’s interaction with the audience was minimal yet effective, focusing on non-verbal connections, removing his shades for the crowd to visually engage with his emotive singing.

As the night progressed, fans immersed themselves in the music; they danced with companions under the spell of the band’s characteristic sound. Mobile phones were used more to mimic a starry satellite sky than for filming the performance. A highlight was when the band performed “Dark Vacay,” a song which illustrated how the music transcends the musicians, becoming a vessel for personal audience experiences and emotions.

The setlist balanced the introduction of tracks from “X’s” with several renowned songs from previous albums, creating a cyclical pattern of applause and performance that enhanced introspective reflection within the audience. Gonzalez’s delivery remained cool and collected throughout, maintaining the band’s serene and introspective brand.

The climax came with the hit “Apocalypse,” a song that spurred a collective sing-along amidst an enthralling guitar-based sound. Although the crowd anticipated the end of the show following “Apocalypse,” the band surprised attendees with an encore performance of “Opera House,” a quieter conclusion that left many quietly savoring the moment.

The brief yet potent concert in Atlanta left an indelible mark on attendees, uniting new and seasoned fans through a performance that perfected the band’s lyrical and sonic journey across time. Cigarettes After Sex delivered a night of heightened musical reverie, capturing the essence of their artistic vision and leaving an audience spellbound by their signature melodic introspection.