No Cigar cover

No Cigar

Millencolin · 2001

23 min · 8 tracks · punk rock

Energetic pop-punk anthems blend catchy melodies with rapid-fire guitar riffs, encapsulating the spirit of early 2000s skate culture.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    No Cigar — The title track showcases Millencolin's signature blend of catchy hooks and energetic rhythms, making it an anthem for skate punk culture.
  • →
    Penguins & Polarbears — This track highlights clever lyrical storytelling paired with infectious melodies, reflecting the band's ability to weave humor into serious themes.
  • →
    Queen's Gambit — With its driving beat and introspective lyrics, this song captures the essence of youthful uncertainty while maintaining a lively tempo.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong melodies and energetic performances but loses cohesion with live tracks disrupting the flow.

What we noticed

  • The first five tracks maintain a fast tempo with driving guitar riffs and energetic drumming, creating a consistent high-energy atmosphere.
  • The EP includes two live tracks at the end, which disrupt the flow of the original studio recordings.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • quick bursts of youthful energy
  • sing-along anthems with friends
  • short tracks for instant gratification
  • live versions enhance communal vibe

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, immersive journeys
  • avoid high-energy party settings

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on May 8, 2001, No Cigar was Millencolin's fourth studio album, following their breakthrough record Pennybridge Pioneers. At this stage in their career, the band had solidified their presence in the pop-punk scene and were transitioning from underground success to wider recognition.
Stylistic neighbors
Pennywise· Lagwagon· No Use for a Name

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 No Cigar 2:43
  • 2 Penguins & Polarbears 2:53
  • 3 Queen's Gambit 2:39
  • 4 Dinner Dog 1:45
  • 5 Fox 2:02
  • 6 Kemp 3:14
  • 7 Penguins & Polarbears (live) 3:08
  • 8 No Cigar (live) 5:10

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata