Smoke It And See – Smoke It And See CD EP (Black Guitar Records)

Smoke It And See‘s eponymous debut CD EP is a riveting plunge into a sonic realm that fearlessly embraces the rugged terrain of Seattle grunge, the rebellious ethos of Detroit garage rock, and the timeless core of unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll. The collaborative efforts of Willard’s Mark Spider, Otis P Otis, Green Apple Quick Step’s Mariann Breaden, and rhythmic virtuoso Geoff Reading form a quartet that embarks on a nostalgic yet refreshingly contemporary musical odyssey.

Rockstar is an inaugural track that erupts with an unbridled surge of energy, velocity, and sheer force. Spider and Otis, the guitar virtuosos, unleash irresistibly raw and fuzzy riffs, constructing a wall of noise that pays homage to the foundational elements of grunge and garage rock. Breaden’s vocals soar above the distortion, providing a perfect counterbalance to the wall of sound, while her bass work establishes a warm and weighty foundation. The symbiotic interplay between Spider and Otis stands out, revealing a musical synergy that effortlessly navigates the familiar elements of Seattle’s sonic legacy. The result is an addictive blend of abrasive textures and carefully crafted solos that solidify Smoke It And See’s distinct sonic identity.

In stark contrast, Room 909 deviates from the frenetic pace of Rockstar. Here, the band delves into a mellower, almost doom-rock ambiance. The deliberate tempo affords each instrument its moment in the spotlight, showcasing the band’s versatility and willingness to explore diverse sonic landscapes. Geoff Reading’s drumming takes center stage, providing the backbone of this sonic assault. From well-accentuated beats, fills, and breaks to percussive acrobatics, Reading’s precision and finesse significantly contribute to the overall impact of each track, underscoring his role as a formidable force behind the kit. Breaden’s vocals emerge as a focal point, introducing a layer of complexity that enhances the entire sonic experience. Her adept navigation between low, mid, and high notes expands the dynamic range of the compositions, creating a nuanced and multifaceted listening journey.

This CD version includes two additional tracks, So High and Dog, which add further depth to Smoke It And See’s musical repertoire. So High is a stoner and southern rock-inspired composition that unleashes a colossal wall of fuzzy riffs and energetic drumming. Meanwhile, Dog is a remarkable cover of The Stooges’ I Wanna Be Your Dog, coming remarkably close to the original, if not surpassing it in some aspects. The immersive experience of Smoke It And See’s debut EP is heightened by the CD’s tactile and visual aspects. The limited edition CD, adorned with cover art by Dario Seawolf Dee Vavassori and restricted to 100 copies, exudes exclusivity, transforming it into a coveted collector’s item.

Smoke It And See’s debut EP exemplifies their adeptness at channeling the spirit of grunge, garage rock, and rock ‘n’ roll. With an amalgamation of raw energy, technical prowess, and charismatic vocals, the band firmly cements its place in the contemporary music landscape. This limited edition CD is an immersive journey into the roots of pure rock ‘n’ roll music and a must-have for any true fan of the genre. For more details on ordering, please visit their Bandcamp page.