New Zealand's indie-rock sensation NO CIGAR have once again captured attention with the release of their highly anticipated third studio album, 'Under The Surface'. Following two years of relentless touring across New Zealand and beyond, the five-piece collective is poised to cement their status as one of the most compelling acts to emerge from down under.
'Under The Surface' is a testament to the band's heightened collaborative spirit and their readiness to explore new creative territories. It’s an album that manages to pluck at fresh sonic influences while firmly embedding the kinetic energy of their renowned live performances into its very DNA. Fans who've witnessed their electrifying shows over the past eighteen months will instantly recognise that vibrant spark, while newcomers will find this a perfect entry point into NO CIGAR's evolving sound. Tracks like 'Clean', 'Chantilly', and 'Best Behaviour' offer just a glimpse into the diverse and immersive experience the album provides.
The band views their creative process as a vital outlet. As they put it: "Music is our escapism, it’s where we squeeze the poison, sucked from the wounds of love, life and pain. As songwriters, and for me as a lyricist, getting to open up in a place that feels safe, with the boys, feels cathartic in a way nothing else can. Like many people, I struggle to speak candidly with anyone about what haunts me most. Letting it out can feel like pushing a mouthful of emotions through a pinhole; therefore, I choose my words carefully, so as to leave no venom on the tongue.” This deeply personal approach resonates throughout 'Under The Surface', adding layers of vulnerability and raw honesty to their already dynamic sound.
The album's arrival comes hot on the heels of a string of sold-out tours across the UK and New Zealand, illustrating NO CIGAR's rapidly expanding global footprint. Their impressive back catalogue continues to draw in increasingly large audiences across Australasia, Europe, and North America, building a fervent following that eagerly awaits each new offering.
To celebrate 'Under The Surface', NO CIGAR are set to embark on an extensive tour across Australia and New Zealand this October and November. This promises to be an unmissable opportunity to experience the new material live, delivered with the electrifying passion that has become their hallmark. With 'Under The Surface', NO CIGAR isn't just releasing another album; they're inviting listeners to delve deeper into their artistic world, promising a journey that is both musically adventurous and emotionally resonant.
For more from the band, join them on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.