AOTW: X – Smoke & Fiction

August 8th, 2024 by Liz Kosik

by Liz Kosik ’25

Album of the Week:  X – Smoke & Fiction

Released: August 2, 2024

Rate: 7/10

RIYL: The Runaways, Sex Pistols, The Clash, Black Flag

X is an American punk rock band formed in Los Angeles, featuring original members Exene Cervenka (vocals), John Doe (vocals, bass), Billy Zoom (guitar), and D. J. Bonebrake (drums). The band released seven studio albums between 1980 and 1993, went inactive in the mid-to-late 1990s, but reunited in the early 2000s to tour. In June 2024, X announced a final album and farewell tour, featuring their latest work, “Smoke and Fiction.”

Although X achieved limited mainstream success, they significantly influenced punk rock, Americana, and folk rock. In 1991, music critic Robert Hilburn recognized them as one of the most influential bands of their era. Rolling Stone ranked their first two albums, “Los Angeles” and “Wild Gift,” among the 500 greatest albums of all time, with “Los Angeles” at 91st on Pitchfork’s Top 100 Albums of the 1980s. Their farewell is nothing short than admirable and “Smoke and Fiction” is anticipated to be one of their best projects yet.

“Smoke and Fiction” is 10-track album with a 28-minute listening time stamp. Intense and fast-paced melodies are the theme this album, certainly correlating with the band’s intention to go out with a bang. Tracks such as “Ruby Church” and “Sweet Til The Bitter End” definitely resonate with their dissemination, however, leave no room for a solemn goodbye. Instead, X reignites their punk-passion from their earlier days, giving us an album that will leave a lasting impression on new and old listeners. Songs like “Flipside” and “Winding Up The Time” serve as nostalgia for the group as they conclude their nearly 50-year-old careers. Check out their upcoming tour dates here!