New Zealand indie rockers NO CIGAR's newest album, 'Under The Surface' (their third record), showcases a band capable of euphoric soundscapes and ruminative songwriting.
Shimmering melodies, angular art rock, spacious indie rock, swirling alt pop. NO CIGAR's music vibes contemporary influences yet still sounds uniquely themselves.
"Music is our escapism, it's where we squeeze the poison, sucked from the wounds of love, life and pain," NO CIGAR says. "As songwriters, and for me as a lyricist, getting to open up in a place that feels safe, with the boys, feels cathartic in a way nothing else can.
"Like many people, I struggle to speak candidly with anyone about what haunts me most. Letting it out can feel like pushing a mouthful of emotions through a pinhole; therefore, I choose my words carefully, so as to leave no venom on the tongue."
Created at Auckland's renowned Roundhead Studios, 'Under The Surface' shines in the way the music incorporates new flavours, while also letting the personality of the songwriting take prominence.
"Just as we've grown as people in the last few years since our first album, so too has the music. We never set out to make music that is 'heavier' or 'softer'; we just find the time to lock ourselves away from the world, get comfortable, and open the floodgates.
"The way the heavier tones in the album balance nicely with softer numbers make for our most dynamic album to date. NO CIGAR like you've never seen it before."
Here, rhythm guitarist-vocalist Willy Ferrier shares some insights behind the songwriting in 'Under The Surface'.
Under The Surface
As a song, it talks about losing control in the process of trying to win someone's affection. One minute you're playing it cool, and the next thing, you're a step behind. She's got her teeth into you. How do you hold onto that fragile guise of nonchalance, when her face is tattooed to your eyelids at night.Clean
The song is about flying too close to the sun and the perils that come along with that hubris.
Chantilly
The song is a diary of hope mixed with equal parts self-doubt. It's about feeling the ground swell and hoping you can steer it steady.Maelstrom
It's a story about a home teetering on the edge of brokenness and the battle that comes along with keeping it together.Oh Behave
The weekend messiah can't seem to get it right. Cometh Monday he's the prior, and sick with guilt.Russian Roulette
It's a story of clashing rhythms, each lover waxing and waning further from the other's mood. Two sides of the same coin.
Problem
Trying to balance the needs of love and the fear of pulling her closer into the fire. Will one flame burn out before the other, swallowed by the anger or lust for life?Merci Merci
Far from the shire and halfway up his first European endeavour, he realises he cannot read the signs and his loss for direction. Does this mountain even want to be climbed?Cherry Blossom Girl
Caught between time zones, Narita Airport, Tokyo. All we had in common was our vicinity, and the need for a lighter. Torn straight from the pages of a cyberpunk manga, she leaves a piece of herself on the bench and exits without a word.Best Behaviour
Here comes he, to take my daughter. Young and rough, cold and shortsighted. What are his intentions? And what awaits him? You'd have to ask Steven.Mary Jane
A song detailing the first chance encounter with the woman who would become the love of my teenage years.
Ketamine
When the world of modern medicine behind, head to the vet, head to the race track. The song is about an ex-girlfriend being clinically prescribed liquid ketamine for her crippling anxiety, something I felt was a little unfair personally. Where was mine?This spring, the band return to Australia for an eight-date tour. "We're coming home Aussie (it feels like it anyway – we know you'll claim us as your own someday). It's been a minute. We love you, and can't wait to share our brand new album with you. Prove to us why Aussie crowds are the best in the world. We'll bring the noise, you bring the energy. Vice versa."
No Cigar 2025 Tour Dates
Thu 23 Oct - Mo's Desert Clubhouse (Gold Coast)Fri 24 Oct - The Brightside (Brisbane)
Sat 25 Oct - Lansdowne Hotel (Sydney)* sold out
Sun 26 Oct - Stag & Hunter (Newcastle)
Wed 29 Oct - Lansdowne Hotel (Sydney)
Thu 30 Oct - Amplifier (Perth)
Fri 31 Oct - Torquay Hotel (Torquay)
Sat 1 Nov - Night Cat (Melbourne)
