WHO’S PLAYING?  Smoking Popes (Memphis, TN) Deco Auto (Kansas City) Hipshot Killer (Kansas City)

The Smoking Popes

WHAT TO EXPECT?  A pop punk slideshow, think the cool parts of the Warped Tour without all the people or 8,000 bands.

The Smoking Popes are a now legendary pop punk band from Chicago. The band broke through in 1995 with the success of their single “Need You Around” off their debut album. In 1997 they would release the fan favorite album “Destination Failure” and they are touring to celebrate the 20th anniversary of that record. The group also released a new album in October of this year and are obviously supporting that record as well. “Into The Agony” came out October 12th to critical acclaim and is considered among the best work of their career.

The Smoking Popes sound like: Morrissey, Bad Religion, a lounge singer that got stage rushed by a punk band

“Too pop for punk, too punk for pop.” It grew from a description to almost a mission statement for Kansas City’s Deco Auto. The group relies heavily on melody and guitar riffs to propel their songs. The power pop trio has a specialty of hooks and lots of them. Their debut full-length album “The Curse of Deco Auto” is a couple years old now as they come out of the woodwork to hone those songs and some new material.

Deco Auto sounds like: The Replacements, Nada Surf and skater shoes with no laces

Hipshot Killer is a hard edged Kansas City band that will easily be the most intense of the 3 bands on this bill. They are known for their intensity at their live shows and keeping everyone on their toes.

Hipshot Killer sounds like: Black Flag, The Clash and a disorderly uprising

WHERE IS IT?  The Riot Room (4048 Broadway, Kansas City MO 64111)

WHEN IS IT?  Sunday December 2nd, 2018; 8:00 PM, $15

Here is a link to buy your tickets right NOW.

WHY SHOULD I GO?

• Tickets are $15… that’s the price of a meal… or two fancy beers
• The Smoking Popes only have about 5 shows scheduled for the winter, this is one
• Deco Auto is one of the more diverse opening bands in the area, netting opening slots for several different genres
• Hipshot Killer is an intense local band renowned for their live shows
• The Smoking Popes just released a new album in October
• That album (“Into The Agony”) is among the best work of their career
• The Popes dive deep into their back catalog at each show, the nostalgia train will be on its tracks

You should RSVP on facebook to the event so you don’t forget, here is the link: FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE