Philadelphia-based band Cigarettes for Breakfast is on a meteoric rise, captivating a growing fanbase with their distinctive blend of shoegaze and dream pop. Their recent releases have propelled their monthly listeners up by 10,000, and they’re resonating with fans through a mix of textured soundscapes and raw emotion, bringing to mind iconic shoegaze acts like My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, and Ride. Their sound, however, is fresh, modern, and uniquely their own—a key factor in the strong community of fans and the surge of impressive press coverage that surrounds the band. For anyone following Cigarettes for Breakfast, it’s clear they’re at the heart of a new shoegaze revival.
Recently, they dropped their powerful record Numb the Pain, which landed on a coveted Spotify editorial playlist All New Rock, further validating their impact. This record has helped propel them into the indie spotlight, sparking anticipation for their upcoming single, “Mesmerized.” Set for release on December 27, 2024, “Mesmerized” is a pivotal track from their highly anticipated album, Slow Motion, which drops in February 2025. While the title Slow Motion suggests a slow-burn journey, the band’s trajectory is anything but slow. Band founder Matt Whiteford created “Mesmerized” in a single day, initially unsure if it would be included on the album. Yet, after sharing it with his bandmates on tour, their collective enthusiasm cemented its place on the album as a heartfelt love song. The track’s dreamlike melodies and ethereal vibes beautifully capture the essence of dream pop, taking listeners deeper into the reflective, immersive world Cigarettes for Breakfast is known for.
The band’s efforts to promote Slow Motion reflect the same dedication to their craft, combining high-profile playlist placements and strategic press outreach with plans for an extensive tour. Major outlets like Rolling Stone and EARMILK are already showing support, and college radio stations such as UCLA Radio have started spinning their tracks, further broadening their reach. Their marketing push also includes limited-edition merchandise and vinyl pre-orders, giving fans tangible ways to engage with the band’s work.
Cigarettes for Breakfast’s relentless drive and connection with their audience demonstrate that they’re a powerful force in today’s music scene. With Slow Motion on the horizon, this album may reflect a slow-burning emotional journey, but the band’s growth and impact are anything but slow. For fans of deep, emotive, and richly textured music, Cigarettes for Breakfast is essential listening.