Montreal-based Ukrainian alternative band Cigarette After School make a striking first impression with their debut EP NOTHING BUT A GAME, a raw and emotionally charged collection that announces the arrival of a compelling new voice in the underground rock scene. The project, centred on themes of self-discovery, authenticity, and dropping the lies we tell ourselves, fuses post-punk angularity, grunge intensity, and garage-rock energy into a cohesive yet unpredictable sonic journey.
The EP opens strongly with “Delirium,” a sharp, cutting guitar riff that immediately evokes 70s and 80s punk spirit—think The Clash—with added 90s grunge and psychedelic edges. It sets a visionary tone that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. “WAKE UP” follows with an enticing, hypnotic bass line that balances cheeky grooves and intense urgency, building to an explosive chorus that practically demands movement. The dynamic shifts create a sly, danceable tension that draws listeners deeper into the band’s world.
At the heart of the release sits “Who I Am?,” a track rich with harmonic texture and emotional ebb-and-flow. It captures the raw vulnerability and power of identity formation, surging from moments of sparse emptiness to full-throated affirmation. Closing track “YOU CANNOT UNDERSTAND” dives into atmospheric guitar work and a nocturnal, mysterious vibe. With steady rhythms and oracle-like vocals, it delivers sludgy post-punk that bridges Bauhaus atmospherics and Nirvana’s visceral howl, creating a cold, dense, and confrontational soundscape perfect for late-night introspection turned outward.
What makes NOTHING BUT A GAME stand out is its authenticity. The production retains a gritty, organic garage feel—polished enough to highlight nuances but raw enough to preserve live chemistry and urgency. The band’s instinctive songwriting weaves personal turmoil with broader reflections on individuality, resulting in music that feels genuine and motivating rather than contrived. Cigarette After School avoid genre constraints, blending influences into something distinctly their own: angular post-punk tension, grunge weight, and punk attitude.
In a music landscape often dominated by overproduction, this EP’s honest, rehearsal-room energy is refreshing and addictive. It’s the sound of a band thinking out loud—loudly enough to shake rooms and spark conversations. With NOTHING BUT A GAME, Cigarette After School establish themselves as a band to watch. This isn’t background listening; it’s a visceral, immersive experience that rewards repeat plays and live translation. Fans of raw alternative rock with heart and edge will find plenty to love here. A bold, promising debut that leaves you eager for what comes next.
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