
“The Sun Still Shines (Sometimes)” by the British band Cigarettes After Sex stands as a testament to the power of subtle melodies and evocative lyrics in crafting an atmosphere that is both intimate and profoundly moving. Released in 2017 as part of their self-titled debut album, this track immediately captured the attention of indie music fans worldwide, solidifying the band’s position as masters of atmospheric, dream-pop soundscapes.
The song opens with a sparse, melancholic guitar line that sets the stage for Greg Gonzalez’s hauntingly beautiful vocals. His voice, often described as a mix between Lou Reed and Jeff Buckley, carries an undeniable weight of emotion as he sings about love, loss, and the enduring power of hope amidst darkness. The lyrics are deceptively simple yet deeply affecting, painting vivid images of yearning and nostalgia:
- “And I’ve been dreaming ‘bout you ever since”
- “The sun still shines sometimes”
- “Remember when we were young”
These lines resonate with a universal longing for connection and the bittersweet memories that often accompany lost love. The music perfectly complements the lyrical themes, employing a slow-burning tempo and layered instrumentation that creates an ethereal, almost dreamlike atmosphere.
Cigarettes After Sex’s sound draws heavily from influences like Cocteau Twins, Mazzy Star, and My Bloody Valentine. However, they have managed to carve out their own unique niche within the indie music landscape, crafting music that is both hauntingly beautiful and undeniably addictive. Their ability to evoke such profound emotions with seemingly simple musical elements speaks to their mastery of sonic textures and melodic nuance.
Diving Deeper into the Soundscape
“The Sun Still Shines (Sometimes)” showcases Cigarettes After Sex’s signature sound: a delicate balance between driving, rhythmic bass lines and shimmering guitar melodies drenched in reverb. The drums are minimal, often reduced to gentle snare hits and subtle cymbal washes, creating a sense of spaciousness and allowing the other instruments to breathe.
Greg Gonzalez’s vocals take center stage, layered with harmonies that add depth and complexity to the overall sound. The song builds slowly but surely, culminating in a cathartic crescendo where the guitars swell and the bass thunders, perfectly capturing the emotional intensity of the lyrics.
Here’s a breakdown of the key musical elements:
Element | Description |
---|---|
Vocals | Haunting, melancholic, with a touch of fragility |
Guitar | Sparse, shimmering, drenched in reverb |
Bass | Driving, rhythmic, grounding the song |
Drums | Minimalistic, focused on snare and cymbal accents |
Keyboards | Subtle synth pads create atmospheric textures |
Beyond “The Sun Still Shines (Sometimes)”: Exploring Cigarettes After Sex’s Discography
“The Sun Still Shines (Sometimes)” serves as a perfect introduction to the captivating world of Cigarettes After Sex. Their self-titled debut album is a masterpiece of understated beauty and emotional depth, featuring other notable tracks like “Apocalypse,” “K.,” and “Affection.”
The band has since released two more albums: “Cry” (2019) and “SMASH” (2023), both continuing their exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of human connection through their signature blend of dreamy melodies and evocative lyrics.
A Legacy of Emotional Resonance
Cigarettes After Sex’s music has resonated with listeners across the globe, becoming a soundtrack for intimate moments, reflective walks, and late-night drives. Their ability to evoke such raw and visceral emotions with their subtle, atmospheric soundscapes speaks to the enduring power of music as a conduit for human experience.
“The Sun Still Shines (Sometimes)” is more than just a song; it’s a testament to the beauty and fragility of life, a reminder that even in the face of loss and heartbreak, hope persists. The enduring appeal of Cigarettes After Sex lies in their ability to tap into universal emotions with such honesty and vulnerability, creating music that is both deeply personal and undeniably relatable.