Indie rock band NO CIGAR have released new single “Concubine”, another taste of their upcoming album, THE GREAT ESCAPE.
Having released their debut album, BIENVENIDO, last year, they’ve gone from stride to stride since, becoming one of the hottest up-and-coming bands in New Zealand in the process.
Recorded at Roundhead Studios in Mangawhai, where NO CIGAR spent an extended time to record THE GREAT ESCAPE, “Concubine” is the third single following “Make It Better” and “The Vibrance (Somebody to Blame)”.
“”Concubine” is a unique song on the album, giving you that raw, classic rock energy, whilst also playing to the delicate harmonies and intricate nuances between parts,” says Arthur from the band. “The slide guitar has never really featured in NO CIGAR material before this album, and “Concubine” certainly has its fair share. You’ll see more of this on other tracks, too.”
The track is well constructed, featuring a wide range of instrumentation, taking a cool sonic turn halfway through. It starts out hazy and slow, but soon finds a crowd pleasing groove that’s bound to be received positively at shows and festivals this summer.
In fact, NO CIGAR’s latest release has already impressed people on the road. “”Concubine” got the crowd moving on our winter tour earlier this year,” Arthur adds. “This song has a point of difference from many of the songs we’ve written, but it feels right. We’ve played it live a handful of times pre-release, and the response we got was immense. We’re excited to bring this one to life, and see what comes of it when people can sing along.”
The band’s previous single, “Make It Better”, had its music video premiere on Rolling Stone AU/NZ in August. They were also nominated for Best New Artist at this week’s 2023 Panhead Rolling Stone Aotearoa Awards, although they lost out to COTERIE on the night.
NO CIGAR’s “Concubine” is out now.
