NZ’s indie-rock darlings NO CIGAR are back, and this time, they’re getting introspective. ‘Clean’, the final single before their third album UNDER THE SURFACE (out 30 July), has just landed, and it’s a gritty, groovy slow-burn that shows the band in their most raw and reflective form yet.
Moody, Melodic, and Just the Right Amount of Messy
If their earlier hits had you dancing in the sun, ‘Clean’ is what you’d play after midnight. It’s still classic NO CIGAR — catchy, chilled-out and slightly nostalgic, but with a darker twist. The track tackles the tension between temptation and control, floating through that grey area we all know too well: What’s good for me vs. what feels good now.
Lead singer Arthur Gillies puts it best: “We tread the line between what’s right and wrong, what we want and what we need.” It’s relatable without trying too hard, and the lush harmonies layered over the tight guitar grooves pull you in deeper with every listen.
UNDER THE SURFACE Drops 30 July
‘Clean’ joins previously released singles Best Behaviour, Problem and Chantilly on the upcoming album UNDER THE SURFACE. Judging by the singles, this record is set to be both polished and personal, think surf-rock energy with some emotional weight behind it.
Catch NO CIGAR Live This November
After selling out shows across Europe and Australia, NO CIGAR are finally bringing it back home with three NZ dates this November, and fans won’t want to sleep on these.
NZ Album Release Tour:
- Wellington – Meow Nui, Fri 7 Nov
- Christchurch – Ngaio Marsh Theatre, Sat 8 Nov
- Auckland – Powerstation, Fri 14 Nov
🎟️ Tickets on sale from 12pm, Mon 23 June
Who Are NO CIGAR Again?
If you’re just catching up, welcome. NO CIGAR are one of Aotearoa’s most exciting exports. Their last album THE GREAT ESCAPE sat on the NZ Top 20 for over 70 weeks, and they’ve already made waves across Europe, the US and Australia with their laid-back sound and sold-out shows. This next chapter looks set to push things even further, deeper themes, tighter songwriting, and still effortlessly cool.
Album out: Wednesday 30 July
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