Cigarettes After Sex returns with their third album, X's, via Partisan Records, marking a departure from their previous influences and embracing pop touchstones of the 70s and 80s. Bandleader Greg Gonzalez delves into the intricacies of a four-year relationship, delivering raw and imagistic vignettes set to slowburn pop melodies. With brutal intensity, Gonzalez purges his emotions, centering the album on this singular romantic arc, infusing their music with dark yet burgeoning melodies. While retaining classic pop song structures, Cigarettes After Sex subtly evolves their sound, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of disco ball-refracted tears on the dance floor. X's presents a mesmerizing and emotionally resonant journey through the complexities of love and loss, the band's continued growth and maturity is on full display.