There’s a pre-show movie playing on the screen behind an empty microphone. Visuals of dark and stormy skies over a beach play as the sound of rain fills the room. Occasional lyrics from “You’re the Only Good Thing in My Life” appear on the screen while film noir-like images slowly evolve into a silent love story. The main theme and lines in the lyric film read “you make me think of storms on the beaches”.
Finally, just past 8:30pm, the band starts to emerge and lead singer Greg Gonzalez takes the mic to open with “Hentai” from their recent album. Everyone is dressed in black while Gonzalez sways easy to his own calming rhythms.
The band has been touring in Europe since early November. This tour comes just after the recent drop of their second album, Cry, released just a few weeks ago at the end of October 2019.
After a quick “it’s always good coming back to Zurich,” the show goes on as the audience stands, slightly swaying or quietly singing along. Once “Sweet” starts, the energy in the room picks up significantly and carries the tone for the rest of the night.
When people start moving around more, I’m reminded that being 5’4 isn’t helpful at packed shows, especially in Europe. The engaging yet trance-like music continues until the end with Gonzalez calmly strumming his guitar, occasionally striding to the edge of the stage to greet fans.
The good vibes continued until the end of the show. After, people started heading to the other room where Plaza would soon open its doors to the club-goers of the evening.
Cigarettes After Sex are a real treat and I’m looking forward to the rest of their European tour.
