The Smoking Popes kick out a melodic yet grungy guitar grind, but the thing that sets them apart from the standard four-piece alternative hard rock outfit is not only their pop sense, it's how the lead vocalist uncannily recalls the quavering, self-absorbed tone of
Morrissey. Combined with their gift for hooks, it makes for a sound that is familiar, yet surprisingly distinctive. Bonus points for clocking in under a half hour. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine