Cigarettes After Sex took the stage for their second night at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, delivering a performance that showcased their undeniable musical talent and unique sound.
From a purely musical standpoint, Cigarettes After Sex were on point. They treated fans to a seamless blend of album-perfect renditions and thoughtfully reinterpreted live versions. It’s clear the band has honed their craft—each song was delivered with precision and grace. Greg Gonzalez’s voice, a soothing and powerful instrument, could easily lull you into a state of calm relaxation, adding an almost hypnotic element to their performance at times.
The setlist was thoughtfully crafted, with a nice balance of fan favorites and deep cuts. I appreciated how the band integrated their hits throughout the night, choosing tracks based on sonic flow rather than just popularity. While I did miss hearing “Hideaway” (which I think would have been a great addition), the rest of the selection spanned their discography, offering a well-rounded experience for long-time fans. Considering it’s been a while since they last visited Australia, it was great to hear some of their older tracks live.
However, where the performance fell short for me was in its overall production. In an arena-sized venue like Rod Laver, there’s a heightened need to connect with the audience in a more engaging way. While the band’s music certainly filled the space, the overall atmosphere felt a bit distant at times. A few more thoughtful, personal moments in between songs —beyond the usual “we love you all”—could have helped bridge that gap.
Cigarettes After Sex have built a distinct aesthetic over the years, known for their moody black-and-white visuals in their music videos and promotional materials. The stage setup, with its smoke and minimalist lighting, adhered to this aesthetic. But the three large screens primarily showed close-ups of the band throughout the night, which, while visually engaging, didn’t quite enhance the immersive experience I was hoping for. There were a couple of brief moments where the lights shifted into something more dynamic—like the glimmering reflections from the mirror ball—but these were too few and far between. For much of the show, it felt as though the band was performing exclusively for the front rows, leaving the rest of the arena feeling somewhat disconnected.
Ultimately, it was a solid show—well-played and enjoyable—but one that lacked the spark needed to make it truly unforgettable. Given the band’s established visual and sonic identity, there was ample room for more creative production elements to further enhance the experience. With a little more engagement and a stronger visual component, this concert could have been one for the books.
Find out about Cigarettes After Sex live shows here.