Cigarettes After Sex delivered a mesmerizing, dream-like performance at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC on September 27, 2024. The band’s signature ethereal sound filled the venue, with each song casting a spell over the audience. The ambient lighting and minimal stage setup allowed the music to take center stage, and the smoky, atmospheric vibe was the perfect complement to the band’s sultry, cinematic soundscapes.
They opened the night with “X’s,” setting the tone for a set filled with intimate, emotionally charged moments. Greg Gonzalez’s haunting vocals floated effortlessly over the slow, hypnotic rhythms, creating a captivating sense of stillness in the arena. The crowd swayed in unison to “Pistol” and “You’re All I Want,” completely absorbed in the atmospheric melancholy that Cigarettes After Sex so effortlessly conjures.
One of the night’s highlights was the deeply nostalgic “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby.” The audience erupted as the familiar opening chords rang out, turning the arena into a sea of phone lights and gentle murmurs of fans singing along. This track seemed to hold a special resonance, bringing a palpable sense of connection between the band and the audience.
The pacing of the set was masterful, with the band seamlessly moving through tracks like “Touch,” “Falling in Love,” and “John Wayne.” Each song felt like a chapter in a larger story, one filled with longing, romance, and introspection. The combination of Gonzalez’s tender vocals and the band’s lush instrumentation created an almost hypnotic effect, especially on songs like “Sweet” and “Sunsetz,” where the slow tempo seemed to stretch time.
“Apocalypse,” a fan favorite, brought the main set to a close with its haunting lyrics and swelling crescendo, leaving the crowd in awe. The encore, featuring “Opera House,” was a fitting finale. The song’s ethereal beauty lingered in the air long after the final note, a perfect closing to a night filled with emotionally charged moments.
Cigarettes After Sex delivered a live experience that was intimate yet expansive, as their delicate music filled the massive space of Rogers Arena, proving that their sound—while understated—can hold an arena-sized crowd in the palm of their hand. This performance was a slow-burning, emotional journey that left the audience floating on a cloud of dreamy nostalgia.