A Dreamy Night with Cigarettes After Sex but Something Was Missing

It was a cool January evening in Mumbai, and fans of Cigarettes After Sex (CAS) flocked to the MMRDA R2 Grounds for the band’s much-anticipated India tour. Known for its music with emotional depth, CAS has long been a favorite of listeners who love to lose themselves in soft melodies. But while the night had its highlights, it wasn’t without its flaws.

The stage design was simple and elegant—black backdrops and soft, white lighting created an intimate atmosphere. CAS began the night with “X’s,” and Greg Gonzalez’s signature falsetto filled the air. The opening notes drew fans into their dreamy world, but for some, the slow and steady pace of the music set a tone that felt too subdued for a live show.

As the band moved through their setlist, they played popular songs such as “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby,” “Dreams of Bunker Hill,” and “Pistol.” Hardcore fans were thrilled to hear these tracks live, but the performance lacked variety, and the mood stayed the same throughout the night. While Greg’s voice was as beautiful as ever, the show felt more like listening to their albums on a music streaming platform rather than experiencing something special and new.

Finally, the collective energy peaked during “Apocalypse,” where the band’s synchronized delivery and Greg’s vocals created a moment that bordered on love and and left the crowd yearning for more. Chants of “once more” echoed, clearly a testament to the magnetic pull of the band. Fans were visibly moved, their expressions a mix of awe and joy. Greg’s heartfelt wave was a poignant farewell; fans couldn’t help but hope for an encore—guess what? It happened. After an hour of sonic bliss, CAS wrapped up their set with “Opera House.”

Despite the lack of dynamism, Greg’s personal touches—handing out guitar picks and acknowledging the crowd—added warmth to the performance. These small gestures connected the band with their fans, but the lack of exciting visuals or surprises left the performance feeling a bit plain. A concert is about more than just the music—it’s also about the energy and connection, and this show didn’t fully deliver on that.

The event was mostly well-organized, thanks to Laqshya Media Group in association with BookMyShow Live. Fans entered smoothly, and the overall vibe was positive. However, some found navigating the food stalls and seating areas confusing, which caused minor frustration.

In comparison to their performance in Gurugram, Mumbai’s crowd seemed to share a particularly strong connection with the band. Yet even this bond couldn’t overcome the limitations of the night. The lack of bold production choices or a more engaging setlist left many hoping for a stronger show the next time CAS tours India.