THE RIDER: Smoke Break's Top 10
Ahead of their NYE show at Arlene's Grocery, the foursome on falafel, foundational records and the new band that punched them all in the face (not literally)
HAPPY FRIDAY!
Meet us out front with some marlboro lights (or a miami mint elf bar—we don’t judge), because it’s time for a SMOKE BREAK, BABY!
Formed in 2022, Smoke Break is the BK band anchored by trio Maxwell Kern, Nathaniel Lezra and Brendan Watters, who sums up their core thesis as “a rejection of cynicism in the face of a bleak modern landscape, and to meet pain with defiant and radical joy.”
So… pretty relevant right now.
We first fell in love with the group when we saw them live at Arlene’s earlier this year—an experience that, well, was a little like this…
AKA very energetic and very, very fun.
While the exact chapter of the band on display in the video above has closed for now (Pete, the singer, has gone back home to Bulgaria), the very rad efforts of this particular foursome have fortunately been captured forever on their debut EP Smoke Break, which just dropped back in October!
And following the release—a true sonic time capsule that’s a product of the both the band’s chemistry and the members’ very international roots in Ireland, England, Spain and Bulgaria—Smoke Break shared a little bit about the record with us, as well as intel on the EP’s four tracks.
“Smoke Break, our four-track self-titled EP, is the culmination of years of hard work crafting a sound that fits the vision of each member of an increasingly eclectic band.
The EP opens with “Talk,” a true melodic rock tune with guitar lines inspired by The Replacements and The Fall, and crooning vocals that swagger through lyrics that reflect a spiral into social panic and insecurity.
Then comes “Earlier Than You Think,” a Pogues inspired, bouncy bar rock tune. The lyrics are a meditation on a depressive crisis that culminates in a rebellion against cynicism, While the sound is at once a blend of all of the band’s deepest influences: there are shades of barroom punk rock, folk-Americana, emo, and an explosive garage rock conclusion.
The second half of the EP turns toward the emotional and melancholic. “Pill,” a song about despair, outlines the feelings we all often have in our young adulthood. As we try to find what we want in life and go looking for an escape, we often lose track of what we’re even running from. “Pill”’s musical composition matches its sentiment with a more atmospheric sound reminiscent of Bloc Party’s silent alarm or Fontaines DC’s more recent output.
Finally the record finishes with “Empty Skies.” This track finds the band at its most expressive lyrically weaving a true to form anti-war story in the tradition of Shane MacGown with a sonic architecture out of The Replacements playbook, featuring punchy Cribs and Blur style riffs and an instantly recognizable, yet completely original bass line that holds the composition together.”
Smoke Break from Smoke Break is out now! Up next, plan to pop some champagne (of beers) while you catch the latest variation of the band—now featuring a new frontwoman!—live at their next show: 🕺🕺🕺 New Year’s Eve at Arlene’s Grocery! 🕺🕺🕺
Then please read on for Smoke Break’s Top 10—a list featuring important records, cheap eats and the perks (and duties) of having a mostly sober bassist.
Love you all! Have a really great weekend <3
SMOKE BREAK’S TOP 10
1. Garage Rock Record: Up The Bracket by the Libertines
A record we all connected on that we keep going back to. The perfect blend of romantic poetry, punk-rock ethos and post-punk guitar work.
2. Bar: Donnybrook
Our favorite bar for drinks after rehearsal, before rehearsal, business meetings, watching sports, etc. A geographical center point for the band who pour a very solid Guinness to boot. And you can smoke outside :)
3. New band that punched us all in the face: Fontaines DC
They have us all buzzing. I think every rock musician and their mother is hot on them but they’re truly amazing and an inspiration for indie-rock bands looking to create something original in the 2020s.
4. Nat’s extra drink tickets
Our often-sober bassist is a fountain of free drinks at many shows where drummer Brendan and guitarist Max are tasked with drinking for two. It is a privilege and a great responsibility.
5. Pre-show caffeine
Always a must pre-show/post0soundcheck in order to get the blood flowing. So whether it’s the nearest bodega or a nicer cafe, a coffee is a must before the beers enter the fray.
6. Uniform
In many aspects this is equally important as the songs themselves from a live aspect. That’s not to say everyone needs to be as regimented as The Hives but a unified team look of cut-off sleeves always cements the band as Us vs Them rather than a set of individuals.
7. Football/soccer:
Not a must by any stretch for most bands, but like our musical influences, something that we all hit upon immediately. Once the set list is sorted, the importance of The Clash vs New York Dolls is equally as poignant as Arsenal vs Man City!
8. Foundational punk-rock record: London Calling
There are so many, it's essentially impossible to choose one — but that said, London Calling just screams at us through our ears into our bones. It's got a little of everything, has a richness of low end and rhythm, and uniquely elevated songwriting for the genre that makes just a wrecking ball record that always holds up.
9. Fav budget food in NYC: Falafel
It is what it is. Best NYC budget food. Drunk, hungover, stone-cold sober and only got five bucks in your pocket. You'll find a solid falafel in most corners of the city, and it (ideally) won't make you shit your pants, puke or have to take a nap.
10. Dream gig destination: The Academy, Dublin
From Shane MacGowan to Pete Doherty, this is a spot that all of our idols have played. Dublin's a special town in our hearts, and the Academy would be a transcendent spot to play. Book us!
Top 10 above written + submitted by Smoke Break. Follow the band at @smokebreak_theband, buy merch at smokebreaktheband.store and add the songs to your Spotify playlists!
Feature image (provided by the band): Michelle LoBianco