User:Mwhiteford91/sandbox

Cigarettes for Breakfast is a Philadelphia based band that was founded by Matthew Whiteford in the Winter of 2019. After playing in many bands (Starterjacket, Something Like a Monument, Queen Hilma, TIME, etc), Whiteford decided it was time to start his own project. He originally intended for Cigarettes for Breakfast to be a studio project, where he could work independently and draw from his own personal influences.

Whiteford’s main inspiration for this project comes from his appreciation for ’90s alternative bands, such as My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive and Ride. Cigarettes for Breakfast follows suit by exhibiting classic shoegaze elements, including a plethora of effects and pedal-work and a washy, guitar-heavy sound.

Working out of his South Street apartment bedroom, Whiteford began writing and recording the self-titled EP. After laying down the foundation, Tony Rossi (Nothing, TIME) was brought into the mix to record drums, as well as vocalists Cameron Kynett (Starterjacket, Hence the Fence) and Becca Katz. Whiteford made CDs and manually recorded cassette tapes with a tape deck from the ’80s, which have been floating around in local record stores in Philadelphia. The Cigarettes for Breakfast EP was mixed by Matt Whiteford in his bedroom studio and then independently released February 20, 2020 on all streaming platforms.

Almost immediately following the debut, the Cigarettes for Breakfast EP started gaining traction. Fans purchased tapes and CDs from all over the world, 2020 unfolded as it did and Whiteford felt inspired to create something deeper and more impactful. And Aphantasia was born.

a·phan·ta·si·a

/ˌāˌfanˈtāzēə/

the inability to form mental images of real or imaginary people, places, or things.

The bulk of the work for Aphantasia was done during the COVID-19 lockdown. Titles like “Aphantasia” as well as “If Someone Could Help Me, Please.” emerged from the stress of living in a world where people fail to see the big picture and struggle to wrap their heads around difficult concepts. Taking a more cinematic approach, the album features intense feedback and lush atmospheres, which tells a story that leaves the listener feeling stuck—but then is ultimately left with a sense of hope. Early on in the album, the listener can feel the anxiety and angst especially in the title, “Breathe,” which uses droning guitars, eerie synths, heavy drums and a chaotic baseline. The frenzied music written by Whiteford is offset by the angelic voice of new member, Donnie CoCo (Miss Cantaloupe, Breathing) creating a beautiful yet hectic contrast in harmony.

The second half of the album winds down, leaving the listener in ethereal bliss. This sensation is best exemplified by the final title, “If Someone Could Help Me, Please.” with its scenic, hazy guitar swells and underlying whispery vocals. Aphantasia takes listeners on a journey while Cigarettes for Breakfast expands their musical horizons.