SMOKETREE

SMOKETREE'S "Rain" pours down with roots rock from America's heartland that'll win you over with intoxicating melodies, sweet vocals and old-fashioned harmonies. "Rain" is an album of simple songs about life, that are timeless, generating a universal manner. It's retro sounding without sounding dated. The best songs are the ones on which sweet-voiced singer Billy Plucker takes a few chances with his delivery, copping an attitude on "California," grooving a British accent on "Stand Waiting" and sounding downright jaunty on "Hopes & Dreams." -- ********* 9 out of 10 Stars.

POWERPLAY MAGAZINE
Michael Popke
2004 York, United Kingdom
UK's #1 Independent Mag.
(ISSN 1474)
- POWERPLAY, York- United Kingdom 2004 (ISSN1474)

Rock bands come and go, but few enjoy a second chance at success. Enter Smoketree. The Wisconsin quartet boasts members of Sgt. Friday, one of the region’s best groups in the Eighties, which played a dynamic blend of original roots-and-synths rock, along with strategically chosen covers by the likes of U2 and The Smithereens. But then, on the brink of breakout success, Sgt. Friday imploded in the early '90s.

Fast-forward nearly 15 years: Members of Sgt. Friday reunited in summer 2003, played a few gigs, wrote some new songs, rotated players from other splintered area bands of the era, changed their name to Smoketree and emerged with Rain — an album of nine simple and timeless songs about life and loss that border on retro without sounding dated. And the album has massive potential appeal.

Culling influences from The BoDeans (“Wall of Silence”), The Smithereens (“Hopes & Dreams”), U2 (the title track) and R.E.M. (“California”), Rain is drenched with memorable acoustic-driven, hook-filled rock that boasts a distinct Midwestern vibe. Intoxicating melodies and old-school harmonies abound, and the lyrics exude emotional honesty. Sweet-voiced singer and guitarist Billy Plucker changes up his delivery style on several of these songs, copping an attitude here and grooving with a British accent there, while the other members of Smoketree play with a relaxed but vital sense of purpose.

Unfortunately, Rain lasts for only 33 minutes. Nevertheless, this is music to get listeners through any kind of weather.

GOLDMINE MAGAZINE
2004 W-P Records
(N235KL45)
- GOLDMINE MAGAZINE, 2004

SMOKETREE's sound is heartfelt rock, led by Plucker's vibrant vocals, jangly 12-string guitar and tight harmony vocals on the crisply written songs. Plucker and drummer Rob Ryf were formerly in the popular '80's band Sgt. Friday. Bass player Jeff Radke was in Bacchus Lotus, and guitarist Jack Rein recorded several solo projects with Plucker in the 1990's.

APPLETON P-C
June 2004 Article-Review
Appleton, WI
Jim Lundstrom

- APPLETON POST CRESCENT, June 2004 Jim Lundstrom

From the moment I heard the music on SMOKETREE's new album Rain, I was immediately taken back to the sound of the great bands from the late 80's like The Smithereens, The BoDeans, and REM. Granted, their music doesn't sound exactly like any of these groups, but it does have the same feel. One track that is outstanding to me is the opening track, "Shine". It was a very good song to choose as the opener, because it grabbed my attention and held it through the entire song! The next three tracks were just as good. I really like this record, and hope that you will, too! It has a very cool vibe. SMOKETREE is a great sounding band, with an excellent album to their credit.

MIDWEST BANDS
Mark Lush
June 2004
Owensville, IN.
(Rev. 2330)
- MIDWEST BANDS. COM, June 2004 Mark Lush

RAIN", from the Fox Valley band SMOKETREE is drenched with melodic acoustic-driven, hook-filled rock that boasts a distinct Midwestern vibe. Soak it up.

SHEPHERD EXPRESS
July 2004
Milwaukee, WI
- SHEPHERD EXPRESS, July 2004

With "Rain" I was entertained and uplifted by one good song after another. Many songs have a tranquil melody that will surely leave an impression on first-time listeners.

SHUT EYE RECORDS
Ryan Hoffer
A&R Manager
August 2004
Atlanta, GA)
- SHUT-EYE RECORDS, Atlanta, GA. 2004