Cigarettes After Sex, famed for their ambient music accompanied by lyrics of longing, released ‘Tejano Blue’. This track is a peek at X’s, a new album from the group to be released on 12th July 2024.
The band proves to be skillful at reinventing the way they sing about tenderness. Affection can be difficult to articulate, but sometimes, we find vocalist Greg Gonzalez taking the words right out of our mouths. Lyrics like “and when you say you want it all / I know you want it all / baby, take it all from me” elicit love that thinks neither about acceptance nor rejection, instead remaining still in the feeling.
In an interview with Stereogum, Gonzalez says the song was inspired by the time he spent growing up in El Paso, Texas. Culminating influences from the Queen of Tejano Music, Selena, and dream pop powerhouse Cocteau Twins, ‘Tejano Blue’ serves as a heartening tribute to his youth.
There’s also something to be said about Cigarettes After Sex’ ability to tap into feelings we tend to tuck away from the rest of the world. The metronomic drum beat and melodious bass riff provide an excellent backdrop for the warm reverberated guitar to be at the helm of driving listeners through memory lane. It reminds us of the beauty that comes with being the recipient of one’s fondness.
Reminiscing can sometimes bring sorrow as time has a way of distancing us from these once-fresh memories. But with songs like ‘Tejano Blue’, we’re reminded that although these don’t come so clearly to us anymore, we can be reassured in knowing we’ll always have a home in someone else’s thoughts.
Words by Marinel Dizon
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