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Life & Arts

Popes leave with fans wanting more

Pop-punk band delivers love songs that made it famous

by DUSTI RHODES
The Daily Cougar 

The past year has seen many bands return to the stage. As much as I would like to be disappointed more people were not around to welcome them back, there is a part of me that's glad to see these bands play in an atmosphere similar to when they started out so many years ago.

Case in point: Smoking Popes returned to Houston on Sunday night after more than seven years to play at Walter's on Washington, 4215 Washington Ave. The venue wasn't sold out, but it was by no means empty. 

There was plenty of breathing room, but enough people were in attendance to let the band know they have still been listening and waiting for this moment from the first time they heard "No More Smiles."

The night was a mix of old and new-school as openers Bayside had quite a crowd of youngsters in attendance, most of whom left at about the same Smoking Popes fans arrived.

Smoking Popes wasted no time giving their fans what they had been waiting for and started the night off with "Writing a Letter." 

The show continued with the Popes pleasing the crowd with one familiar song after another -- there was a never a time when at least half the crowd wasn't singing along.

Unlike the acts that preceded them, the Popes didn't inspire fist-pumping, moshing or mobs of teenage girls. 

It was as if the crowd members were experiencing a reunion themselves. Audience members pointed to friends at the beginning of songs as if to say, "This one's ours," in celebration of the band's set list.

Songs like "I Know You Love Me," "Megan" and "Let's Here it for Love" were complemented by sing-a-alongs that included almost everyone in attendance.

The Popes possess a shy demeanor that fits their love-struck songwriting and live show perfectly. 

Lead singer/guitarist Josh Carterer and his brothers didn't say much throughout the evening, but a few thank yous and witty statements were enough to complement the music.

The night ended with a two-song encore with Carterer and brother Eli starting out Destination Failure's "Pretty Pathetic" alone as the crowd took over vocals for them for what proved to be the night's most moving performance -- there were even a few teary eyes in the room. 

The Popes closed with "Brand New Hairstyle," from their first release, Inoculator, and it was clear the crowd was ready for next time as Carterer's mention of a return was met with a round of cheers.

The Smoking Popes@ Walter's on Washington, 4215 Washington Ave.

Verdict: Like most of the fans who were at the concert, I can't wait for another Popes reunion.

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