Photos and words by Dani Weinstein
It’s as if all of Philadelphia knew that Cigarettes After Sex was in town. Hours before the doors opened, the line at Union Transfer was already wrapped around the building. Fans had been waiting outside, eager to get the best view in front of the stage. Once inside the venue, a crowd had already formed in front of the stage and was flooding out the doors.
When Cigarettes After Sex came out on stage, they opened with their song “Crush”, sending everyone into heaven. Immediately, their loyal fans danced and sang. The band’s type of music is very unique. I found myself even spacing out, getting lost in the hazy and ambient sound. Greg Gonzalez’ unique voice is known as androgynous, and I can back that up 100% after hearing it live. Not only is the band’s sound amazing, but the mood the music gives off is even better. I found it to be tranquilizing and the type of music you may listen to staring at the ceiling or driving late at night.
When heading to the back of the crowd, everything lit up. The feeling of love around me was unmatched. Everyone was singing at the top of their lungs and even shedding happy tears. During their hit song “Apocalypse”, a fan got on the shoulders of a friend and danced. When the disco ball on stage reflected its light into the crowd, every single face lit up. Tears, smiles, and feelings of love filled the venue. After “Apocalypse” ended and people were leaving, fans quickly ran back in for the encore of “Opera house” and “Dreaming of you”.
When the last song ended, fans stayed glued to the barricade to talk to the band. Jacob Tomsky gifted his drumsticks to fans and Greg Gonzalez handed his guitar picks out as well. They also signed posters and showed their appreciation in so many different ways. From start to finish, each song delivered by Cigarettes After Sex emitted a bundle of emotions to the crowd. Cigarettes After Sex has the most pleasurably melancholic sound I’ve heard. I’m so lucky I got to attend their show and everyone should have the chance to experience the same feeling live.
Stream their latest single “You’re All I Want” below and keep scrolling to see more photos from the show.
