After their breakout success with “Pavement”, Cigarettes @ Sunset signed to Lost Highway Records in March 2026 and released their debut, Possum Rock. Delivering a one-of-a-kind sound, they strike the perfect balance between country and rock. Their newest single of 2026, “Carolina Shakedown”, is an anthem with larger-than-life energy and heartfelt storytelling.
The North Carolina-bred Appalachian rock band captures the place that raised them with “Carolina Shakedown”. An ode to their small hometown Boone, the song was inspired by a core childhood memory of when Dellinger’s grandparents would invite fellow church-goers over for BBQ and live bluegrass jams. “I hum those Appalachian hymns deep from the East Coast mountain winds / Forgive me, father, of my sins / I just can’t wait to do it again”. Swerving between soulful nostalgia and irreverent self-awareness, Cigarettes @ Sunset reminds us to look around and within. Our upbringing molds us, but as we experience more life, we reflect on who we truly are in relation to that upbringing.
As one collective unit, Cigarettes @ Sunset engineer a collision of Americana, indie rock, and Appalachian folk with a healthy dose of punk spirit. The band consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Garrett Dellinger, lead guitarist Ryland Bagbey, bassist and backing vocalist Wells Whitman, violinist and vocalist Sarah Vann, and drummer Ethan Moore. From Garrett’s unapologetic raspy twang to Sarah’s show-stopping violin performance, this eccentric 5-piece takes the propulsive energy of bluegrass and mixes it with an unequivocal raw and cathartic sound that allows each member to shine beyond their instrument. They’ve dubbed their sound as “Appalachian possum rock”.
“Carolina Shakedown” is the newest single from Cigarettes @ Sunset. Preceded by their recent singles, “Gasoline” and “Appalachian Raised”, 2026 has been a busy year for the band. Not only have they released all this music, but also they’re on tour until December with several shows already sold out. If you want a unique interpretation of country or rock, look no further.
Written by Jazz Williams
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