In 2008, Greg Gonzalez founded the American fantasy pop group Cigarettes After Sex in El Paso, Texas. Gonzalez's voice, which has been referred to as "androgynous," the band's ethereal, limerent, and frequently dream-like musical style, and lyrics frequently themed on themes of romance and love are all things that make them well-known. Cigarettes After Sex, who are promoted as an ambient pop band, are also regarded as shoegaze, slowcore, and indie rock musicians. The song "Nothing's Gonna Hurt You Baby" subsequently became a sleeper hit through commercial licensing and appeared on the band's 2012 extended play (EP), "I." The band released their self-titled debut studio album in June 2017 to favorable reviews following the release of the stand-alone single "Affection" in 2015. "Cry," the group's second studio album, was made available on October 25, 2019. In a Noisey by Vice feature, Christina Cacouris calls Cigarettes After Sex "sweet and nostalgic," "elementary, dreamy, and romantic," but with a noir edge hidden beneath Gonzalez's androgynous voice. Although it has an ambient feel, as the band's name implies, you may still dance to it despite its resemblance to lying in bed. Gonzalez lists Miles Davis as having a significant influence and Françoise Hardy as his favorite performer. He also mentioned that movies like L'Avventura and The Double Life of Veronique had an impact on the mood and sound of the music on "Affection" and their album in an interview with Sound of Boston. The Cowboy Junkies' album "The Trinity Session," Julee Cruise, and Cocteau Twins are also influences on the band..

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