Smoke or Fire | |
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.jpg) Fest Five, October 2006. Photo by Brian Kelleher. | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as | Jericho, Jericho RVA |
| Origin | Boston,Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Genres | Punk rock,pop punk,melodic hardcore |
| Years active | 1998–present |
| Labels | Fat Wreck Chords,Iodine Recordings |
| Members |
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| Past members |
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Smoke or Fire is an Americanpunk rock band fromBoston,Massachusetts,[1] United States.
The band originally formed in Boston in 1998,[2][3] when western Massachusetts native Joe McMahon got together with Chris Brand, Bill Ironfield, and Nick Maggiore, who hailed from New Hampshire. The four met while attendingBoston University. Originally calling themselves Jericho,[4] the band released their debut album,When the Battery Dies, in 2000. After the release of this record, Chris Brand left the band, and a new guitarist, Jeremy Cochran, replaced him. Their fan base grew as they playedDIY basement shows and small clubs throughout the Northeast.[citation needed]
After the release ofWhen the Battery Dies, the quartet moved toRichmond, Virginia,[3] where they worked on their second album. This was when Bill Ironfield left the band, and Ken Gurley joined on bass, with Joe McMahon taking over guitar.
It was at about this time that the band was contacted by a 1970s-era Christian rock band fromHouston, Texas, also called Jericho, to inform them that the name was already taken. To avoid confusion and legal action, the band amended their name to Jericho RVA. The initials were a nod to their new hometown of Richmond, Virginia.[3]
Jericho RVA is the name that appears on their 2003extended playWorker's Union. An older version, released under the band's original name Jericho, does not include the song "Oxygen" that is on the Jericho RVA release. The other six songs of the EP are the same on both records.Worker's Union caught the attention of reviewers, labels, and established bands interested in taking them out on tour, such asNOFX andFat Wreck Chords.[1]
Jericho RVA changed their name again to Smoke or Fire in 2004, citing continued protests from Christian groups who complained about the religious "blasphemy" of the band adopting a bible-derived name.[3]
Due to the strength of theWorker's Union EP, Smoke or Fire were approached by theindependent California punk rock labelFat Wreck Chords in late 2004. Their debut full-length album,Above the City, was co-produced byFat Mike of NOFX and was released in March 2005. After a tour to supportAbove the City, the band's drummer, Nick Maggiore, departed the group.
Shortly before the band began recording their second full-length albumThis Sinking Ship, they hired a new drummer, David Atchison, from theneo-crust bandFrom Ashes Rise.[3] The band released their second albumThis Sinking Ship on February 20, 2007. Later in 2007, Ken Gurley departed the band.[5] The next year, Gwomper fromAvail joined as the band's new bassist.[6]
Their third and, to date, latest album,The Speakeasy, was released November 9, 2010. Some of the tracks were released ahead of time as teasers, such as "Neon Lights" and the title track "The Speakeasy".[citation needed]
Joe McMahon relocated toMünster,Germany, in 2013. While there, he recorded acoustic covers of several Smoke or Fire songs, including "Neon Lights."[7] He released his debut solo album,Another Life, on September 2, 2016, under Smartpunk in theUnited States and Gunner Records inEurope.[citation needed]
In 2022, the Boston-based labelIodine Recordings announced their intentions to releaseBeauty Fades. The compilation features all the songs from theWorker's Union extended play, as well as other previously unreleased tracks and B-sides.Beauty Fades was released on May 27, 2022.[1][8]
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