NO CIGAR are a five-piece semi-rock band from Aotearoa New Zealand, known for their genre-blurring sound, magnetic live shows, and steady rise as one of New Zealand’s most exciting musical exports. Since forming in 2019, the band has developed a fiercely loyal international fanbase, carving out a unique niche that blends elements of indie, surf, and alternative rock into what they call “semi-rock,” a sound that is as rhythm-driven as it is emotionally resonant. In 2025, NO CIGAR return with their third studio album Under the Surface, a record crafted for the stage and shaped by their shared spirit and musical chemistry that is always best served live. Designed to elevate the energy and connection of their live performances, the album captures the same dynamic spirit that has won them fans across Australasia, the UK, and Europe. Their recent European tour in May and June 2025 marked another milestone in their growing international presence. Over 1,500 tickets were sold across the run, reinforcing the strength of their fanbase and the global appetite for their sound. The tour included a standout performance at The Great Escape Festival in Brighton, one of the UK’s leading showcases for emerging talent. NO CIGAR’s sophomore album The Great Escape, released in December 2023, solidified their reputation as a band with staying power. The album remained in the New Zealand Top 20 Albums Chart for more than 74 consecutive weeks and featured “Concubine,” a breakout track voted the 10th best rock song of 2024 by listeners of The Rock FM. Their debut album Bienvenido (2022) laid the groundwork for their steady international growth, earning the band praise for its rich grooves, melodic storytelling, and sun-drenched soundscapes. With over 380,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, NO CIGAR’s reach continues to grow organically as more fans around the world discover their music. Their past tours across New Zealand, Australia, and the UK have all sold out, driven by a word-of-mouth reputation for shows that blend tight musicianship with an infectious, communal energy. Looking ahead, NO CIGAR will be touring extensively throughout 2025 in support of Under the Surface, with shows lined up in the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Their eyes are now set on North America as the next chapter in a journey that has been anything but predictable but entirely their own.