Cigarettes After Sex is an acclaimed American dream pop band formed in 2008 by Greg Gonzalez in El Paso, Texas. The band quickly gained recognition for their ethereal sound and poignant lyrics, often exploring themes of romance and love. Their debut extended play, I., released in 2012, featured the sleeper hit “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby,” which garnered significant attention through commercial licensing, establishing the band’s presence in the music industry.

In 2017, Cigarettes After Sex released their self-titled debut studio album, which received positive reviews and showcased their signature ambient pop style. The album included the single “Apocalypse,” which, despite initially not charting, became a viral sensation on TikTok in 2022, amassing over 1.5 billion streams on Spotify by October 2024. This remarkable achievement highlighted the band’s ability to resonate with a broad audience and adapt to changing music consumption trends.

The band’s second studio album, Cry, was released in October 2019, further solidifying their reputation for creating dreamy, introspective music. Following this, they released several singles, including “You’re All I Want” in 2020 and “Pistol” in 2022, showcasing their continuous evolution as artists. In 2024, they announced their third studio album, X’s, along with a world tour, demonstrating their commitment to engaging with fans globally.

Cigarettes After Sex’s unique sound, characterized by Gonzalez’s androgynous vocals and atmospheric instrumentation, has earned them a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. Their ability to blend various musical influences, from shoegaze to indie rock, positions them as a significant force in contemporary music.