To be perfectly honest, we weren’t ready for Cigarettes for Breakfast – at least not yet. You see, the Philadelphian band champions a rather eclectic and hypnotising shoegaze outlook, pushing the boundaries of the genre forward. They don’t only play with reverbs and space, but also with chords and structure, crafting material that’s not solely dreamy in its sonic realm but also in its musical language.
Take for instance ‘Up’, the opener to Cigarettes for Breakfast’s latest album, ‘Join the Circus’. In it, the listeners will be treated to a quirky, schizophrenic and noisy gem, featuring a very compelling key change that works wonders in introducing the audience to the group’s unique artistic outlook. Title-track ‘Join the Circus’ contrasts basic electronic elements with sudden bursts of rock energy, delivering an electrifying musical chiaroscuro. Perhaps a glimpse into the group’s many personalities.
Boasting twelve tracks, we believe the record is best enjoyed with calm, so give yourself time to dive into it. There’s a lot to discover, and you might just find the listening experience quite cathartic, even restorative. Guided by head honcho Matt Whiteford, Cigarettes for Breakfast explain the complex lyricism behind ‘Join the Circus’: “a deeply personal and introspective journey of the ups and downs through the “circus” of life.”
Recommended! Discover ‘Join the Circus’ on Spotify:
