Photo: Tim Cotton
Capturing the momentum of a massive 2024 and bringing it into the New Year, Aotearoa’s NO CIGAR comes out swinging with the release of their new single, ‘PROBLEM’. Blending a rich tapestry of indie influences together with a natural charisma and talent for musicality, the five-piece present a driving indie anthem for fans and newcomers alike.
As their first single drop for the year, ‘PROBLEM’ sets things up nicely for NO CIGAR; a prime example of the music still to come, this is a track that easily invites the listener in and keeps their attention, as the band flexes easily with a laid-back vibe and confidence in their chemistry.
Created during a writing trip in France, ‘PROBLEM’ is built on perspectives gained from life on the road – the ups and downs that are faced during this time. Along with the band’s 2024 single ‘CHANTILLY’, ‘PROBLEM’ was created in space where NO CIGAR found themselves far from home. The energy and cohesive nature of the single however, demonstrates the close-knit dynamic the New Zealanders have retained as their profile beyond Aotearoa has continued to grow.
“Having flown to the other side of the world to tour and create, there was a very real pressure to create something special. Following on from writing our first single ‘Chantilly’, the floodgates seemed to open to this new material, and ‘Problem’ was one of the first that came from this. The guitar riff had been sitting with guitarist Arthur for a number of years, but he’d never found the moment to introduce it to the band.
Living in an AirBnb that was adjoined to our host, there were a string of songs from this record that succumbed to a much more chill style of drumming. Ned had to put an oven mit over his drum to allow us to jam late in the evening so we wouldn’t wake our host’s young son asleep next door. While ‘Chantilly’ was a song we wrote during daylight hours, ‘Problem’ was very much one of the late sessions, hence taking on the slightly cruisier vibe. It’s a journey in itself, much like our trip.” NO CIGAR
NO CIGAR formed in 2019 and has had a rapid rise to recognition as one of the country’s most promising acts. They have toured the world with their signature blend of psychedelic rock and groovy guitars, all the while drawing critical acclaim for albums such as 2023’s THE GREAT ESCAPE, which featured the #1 rock radio smash hit, ‘Concubine’. The track also debuted at #10 on 2024’s The Rock radio annual yearly countdown – the highest debut for a new band. THE GREAT ESCAPE continues to chart in the top 20 on the Aotearoa albums chart, where it has remained for 55 weeks.
Their debut album BIENVENIDO, released in 2022, and their 2020 EP RADICAL ROAD have also earned them critical acclaim.
May 2024 saw NO CIGAR complete their second tour of the UK, a trip that included a sold out show at the Islington Assembly Hall in London, entertaining a crowd of 900. March will see NO CIGAR take ‘PROBLEM’ on the road across a number of tour dates in Aotearoa, with an Australian return also in the works for 2025.
“..(‘Concubine’) is well constructed, featuring a wide range of instrumentation, taking a cool sonic turn halfway through. It starts out hazy and slow, but soon finds a crowd pleasing groove that’s bound to be received positively at shows and festivals this summer.”
ROLLING STONE (on ‘Concubine’, 2023)
“Each performance is a journey guaranteed to envelop you in romanticism, to the ever-evolving backdrop of a thumping sonic experience. With elements of alternative, folk, and indie rock, they also utilise groove-based rhythms with psychedelic undertones to keep your feet moving & your shoulders rolling.”
TWICE THE HYPE
“No Cigar has noticeably little banter, and are mostly here to play their music, which they do very well. The crowd was wild and some people climb onto their friends’ shoulders to see over the rowdy room full of music lovers. Anyone who’s not on someone else’s should is awkwardly pressed together as the venue was clearly at capacity, if not over”
13TH FLOOR
NO CIGAR ‘PROBLEM’ TOUR DATES
Thursday 13 March San Fran WELLINGTON
Friday 14 March Double Whammy AUCKLAND
Saturday 15 March Errick’s Bar DUNEDIN
Sunday 16 March Loons CHRISTCHURCH
TICKETS
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