Recorded during night time sessions in a mansion on the Spanish island of Mallorca, Cigarettes After Sex's new LP, Cry, is a cinematic meditation on the many complex facets of love - meeting, wanting, needing, losing...

While vocally very different, musically, I couldn't help but be reminded of Paul Carrack's output in the '80s when listening to this album. The vocals stand out, with lead singer Greg Gonzales slowly oozing out a memorable sound that lays somewhere between whisper and a croaky, smooth croon.

While the subject matter may be as old as the hills (love), it's the music, rather than the lyrics, that will suck you in and stay with you. There are 9 tracks (40 min, 31 sec) on this LP, with each having a pivotal place. It's almost like an interlocking jigsaw with each track feeding of the next. Take one piece out of the mix and it just wouldn't work as well.

As well as the Carrack vibe, I was reminded of Mike and the Mechanics's 'You are the One' when listening to 'You're the Only Good Thing in My Life'. Overall, this is a timeless album of laid back pop.

8

Nick Smithson