American dream-pop outfit Cigarettes After Sex filled the Mall of Asia Arena to the rafters on January 14 during the Philippine stop of their X’s World Tour. This marked the band’s return to Manila following their 2018 performance, both brought to life by Karpos Live.

Manila traffic on a Tuesday evening was as punishing as ever, but the band’s dedicated fans showed up undeterred. The show was sold out, and demand was so high that obstructed-view seats were opened just hours before showtime. Despite the humid weather, the audience adhered to an unspoken dress code of black, mirroring CAS’ signature monochromatic aesthetic.

True to form, the show was an exercise in subtlety. The band transitioned from one song to the next, pausing only for frontman Greg Gonzales to switch guitars. The stage design was minimalist: white lights, a backdrop of hypnotic visuals—moons, flames, florals—and a giant disco ball suspended overhead. It was understated yet deliberate, creating an atmosphere that was laid-back without feeling hollow.

The vibe may have been relaxed, but the arena was far from silent. In moments of quiet, fans filled the air with declarations of love and full-throated cheers. Gonzales, alongside Jacob Tomsky on drums and Randall Miller on bass, maintained their enigmatic presence, letting the music do the talking. When words were spoken, they were words of gratitude—simple, sincere thanks directed toward the audience. The night concluded with a personal touch: guitar picks and handwritten setlists gently placed into the hands of those near the stage.

The evening’s setlist unfolded like the stages of sleep. The opening notes of “X’s” lulled the crowd into a gentle slumber. Songs like “Dreams from Bunker Hill,” “Tejano Blue,” and “John Wayne” deepened the reverie, their steady rhythms and heartfelt lyrics akin to the slow, steady heartbeat of deep sleep. The REM phase kicked in with crowd favorites: “Sesame Syrup,” “Cry,” “Sweet,” “Sunsetz,” and “Heavenly.” During “K,” the arena transformed into a sea of lights as fans illuminated the darkness with their phone flashlights.

The dream reached its climax, the final crescendo before waking, with “Apocalypse” and “Opera House.” As the last notes faded, the audience stirred, emerging from the collective trance with a sense of having experienced something both restful and momentous.

In the end, Cigarettes After Sex didn’t need theatrics or over-the-top production to make their mark. Their music, coupled with the emotional resonance they share with their fans, was more than enough to turn a humid Tuesday night into a memory that lingers like the sweetest of dreams.

Words: MAJ

Photos: Vince Bernardo

Special thanks to KARPOS