No Cigar release new single ‘Clean’, announce album + Australian tour
Continuing their successful delivery of music that details fresh-indie rock sensibilities that has made NO CIGAR ones to watch in Aotearoa and beyond, the five-piece reveals new single ‘Clean’.
The latest from NO CIGAR lands as the band announces their new studio album ‘Under The Surface’ their much-anticipated third record. Slated for release on Wednesday 30 July, the album marks a new period of growth for NO CIGAR, who have spent the last two years on the road bringing their music to audiences around the world.
The release of ‘Clean’ follows on from a string of dynamic tracks from NO CIGAR so far in 2025: ‘Best Behaviour’, ‘Problem’ and ‘Chantilly’. Like its predecessors, ‘Clean’ comes with strong storytelling and arrangement at its foundation. Created at Auckland’s acclaimed Roundhead Studios, ‘Clean’ is a song that “reflects NO CIGAR in its purest form: relaxed, cruisy and chill, but also energetic, catchy and gritty”.
“The rhythmic lead vocal bounces effortlessly through verses before delicate harmonies and ethereal backing vocals help open up the choruses.
The escapism we seek in the modern world, the temptations of indulgence, the power of self-control, the allure of hedonism. We tread the line between what’s right and wrong, what we want and what we need. We’re always being pushed and pulled here and there.” NO CIGAR
‘Clean’ single art by Sean Wakely
Since forming in 2019, NO CIGAR have embraced what has become a prolific rise, touring the world with their insatiable blend of indie melodies, psychedelic rock grooves and inimitable stage presence. Earning deserved acclaim for their albums BIENVENIDO (2022) and the Top 20 NZ Album chartingTHE GREAT ESCAPE (2023), NO CIGAR have consistently proven themselves to be one of Aotearoa’s brightest rock exports.
THE GREAT ESCAPE in particular, was a touchstone moment for the group, featuring the #1 rock radio smash hit, ‘Concubine’. The track also debuted at #10 on 2024’s The Rock radio annual yearly countdown – the highest debut for a new band. Its impact as an album endured for NO CIGAR, remaining in the Top 20 charts for 65 weeks.
Of their new album, the band is excited to get their new sounds and inspirations out there.
“The album brings a new flavour to the mix. Just as we’ve grown as people in the last few years since our first album, so too has the music. We never set out to make music that is ‘heavier’ or ‘softer’; we just find the time to lock ourselves away from the world, get comfortable, and open the floodgates.
The way the heavier tones in the album balance nicely with softer numbers make for our most dynamic album to date. NO CIGAR like you’ve never seen before.” NO CIGAR
‘Under The Cover’ LP art by Sean Wakely
NO CIGAR have sold out shows across the world, including a night at Islington Assembly Hall in London which entertained a crowd of 900. They’ve made numerous trips over to Australia now, most recently to show off their wares and the 2024 BIGSOUND showcase – which saw the band pack out rooms across the Valley with their impressive live-set.
Celebrating this new phase of music, NO CIGAR will be touring Australia and New Zealand this October and November.
“We’re coming home Aussie (it feels like it anyway – we know you’ll claim us as your own some day). It’s been a minute. We love you, and can’t wait to share our brand new album with you. Prove to us why Aussie crowds are the best in the world. We’ll bring the noise, you bring the energy. Vise versa.”
NO CIGAR
NO CIGAR AUSTRALIA / NZ TOUR DATES
Thursday 23 October Mo’s Desert Clubhouse Gold Coast
Friday 24 October The Brightside Brisbane
Saturday 25 October Lansdowne Hotel Sydney
Sunday 26 October Stag & Hunter Newcastle
Thursday 30 October Amplifier Perth
Saturday 1 November Night Cat Melbourne
PRAISE
“With their blend of indie rock and narrative-driven songwriting, the Kiwis have built a loyal following over the past five years.”
ROLLING STONE
“They recently sold out Islington Assembly Hall in London (which holds a hefty 900 patrons), having done the same at The Landsowne Hotel in Sydney just prior to their showcase at BIGSOUND in Brisbane. Their recent European tour also saw sold-out shows in Paris, Amsterdam, and Manchester. With 300k monthly Spotify listeners alongside 20M total streams of their music, the future is sonically bright for NO CIGAR”
SCENESTR
“Each performance is a journey guaranteed to envelop you in romanticism, to the ever-evolving backdrop of a thumping sonic experience. With elements of alternative, folk, and indie rock, they also utilise groove-based rhythms with psychedelic undertones to keep your feet moving & your shoulders rolling.”
TWICE THE HYPE
“No Cigar has noticeably little banter, and are mostly here to play their music, which they do very well. The crowd was wild and some people climb onto their friends’ shoulders to see over the rowdy room full of music lovers. Anyone who’s not on someone else’s should is awkwardly pressed together as the venue was clearly at capacity, if not over”
13TH FLOOR
