Cigarettes After Sex

Ambient pop outfit Cigarettes After Sex conjures a waking dream every time they take the stage. The band's hazy, evocative tunes ebb and flow with reverb-drenched guitars and understated drumming, lulling fans into an altered state somewhere between consciousness and sweet reverie. At the heart of their darkly romantic sound is frontman Greg Gonzalez, who casts his androgynous croon over songs like "Affection" and "Nothing's Gonna Hurt You Baby" with a mixture of melancholy and hope that deepens their emotional impact. The band's sound is ambient but it's definitely not background music – Gonzalez's bitingly smart lyrics command attention, and each song has a strong melodic pulse that propels ticket buyers into a gentle sway.