Smoking Popes brush off old favorites, new gems at Riot Room

Smoking Popes brought a nostalgic and raucous stage show to the Riot Room on Saturday, rounding out a weekend filled to the brim with spectacular shows from nationally touring groups. In a long, full set that included several classics and a peppering of new tracks from their recently released concept album, This Is Only a Test, the Popes gave longtime fans a chance to rock out with their arms in the air with lyrics flowing effortlessly from their mouths. It certainly proved that the Popes, who’ve been crafting pop-punk flair since 1991, still have what it takes.