Album Review: Diet Cig – 'Do You Wonder About Me'

Three years after their successful debut ‘Swear I’m Good At This’ (they weren’t lying), indie-punk duo Diet Cig release sophomore album ‘Do You Wonder About Me’ marking the beginning of a new era of fewer boundaries, more truth and more honesty.

The album spans ten tracks, each fresh and exciting in its own right. From explosive opener ‘Thriving’ to the last note of ethereal closing track ‘Night Terrors (Reprise)’, ‘Do You Wonder About Me’ is extremely captivating be it through infectiously bubbly melodies or impressively intimate lyricism – “If my body’s broken, does that mean I’m broken too?” (‘Broken Body’)

Standout moments are the two shortest tracks on the album – ‘Priority Mail’ and ‘Makeout Interlude’ - that despite or maybe because of their length seem to have the most impact. Armed with intricate melodies and an overwhelming sense of vulnerability, it’s the last words that hit the hardest. 

Talking about exploring new dynamics within their sound, vocalist Luciano says: “‘You're laughing! You're crying! You're dancing! You're feeling emotional!’ We wanna bring it all.” And they well and truly did. ‘Do You Wonder About Me’ is an outstanding second chapter in the band’s storybook that is full of endless potential. This album is Diet Cig’s “ode to growing up” and as growing goes, it’s onward and upwards from here. 

Words by Laura Freyaldenhoven

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