With Xs, Cigarettes After Sex finally takes centre stage as not just one of todays preeminent indie bands, but as one of the most globally accomplished acts across any genre, whose often unconventional path to superstardom has helped reshape the very definition of success for artists in the modern era.

Filled with raw, imagistic, sometimes smutty vignettes set to entrancing, slowburn pop songs, bandleader Greg Gonzalez captures every emotion a romantic arc inspires. But where previous albums have drawn from an amalgam of relationships, for the most part, Xs centralises on just one relationship that spanned four years. The record feels brutal, admits Gonzalez. I could sit and talk about this loss to someone, but that wouldnt scratch the surface. I have to really write about it, sing about it, have the music, and then I can start to analyse and learn from it. Or just relive itin a good way. I dont have that Eternal Sunshine-thing of wanting to forget.

While continuing to observe classic pop song structures, Gonzalez has moved away from the prior sonic touchstones of the 50s and 60s, finding himself now drawn to a 70s/80s slow dance. While (in typical Cigarettes style) these changes may be subtle, the overall resulting energy is akin to disco ball-refracted tears on the dance floor.

DELUXE 1x 140g black vinyl, housed in a gatefold jacket printed on silver foil board. Contains exclusive lyric and photo book