Smoke or Fire was originally known as Jericho before they moved to Richmond, VA from Boston. After the move they changed their name to Jericho RVA and (later) to Smoke or Fire. Their latest album Above The City is a fast and furious 12 song barrage that is (as is the case with so many great punk records) over way too fast. The music is melodic, rough, and at times poppy, but this ain’t pop-punk. Lyrically (and somewhat musically) Smoke Or Fire follows the same path as RVA bands like Avail and Strike Anywhere by walking a fine line between the political and the poetic. Their sizzling-hot street-smart sound is razor sharp and full of all the necessary ingredients (gritty vocals, pounding drums, melodic bass, buzzsaw guitars) to make this taste just right. And just like those two aforementioned RVA bands, Smoke Or Fire’s tunes also have an anthemic sing-a-long quality to them that is perfect for long drives or mosh pits. They’ve toured with the likes of Against Me and Lawrence Arms and Above The City is out now on Fat Wreck Chords.

MP3 | Smoke Or Fire – Loving Self-Loathing Above The City
MP3 | Smoke Or Fire – Fire Escapes Above The City
MP3 | Smoke Or Fire – Filter Above The City

Related posts:

1. Review: Smoke Or Fire – This Sinking Ship (or) fighting to make it over the james
2. Review: Julius Airwave – The City The Forest (or) every little bit helps
3. Review: Deny Everything – Fire This Time
4. Bloodletting or economies of scale
5. Review: Golden City – 1 EP