Oakland, CA punk ‘n rollers Smokers have released their blistering debut full length, The Rat That Gnawed The Rope, via Mouth Magazine Records. The band’s sound is inspired by classics such as The Stranglers, Minutemen, and Replacements and brought to life by the collective talents of Andy Asp (Nuisance / The Pattern), Cyrus Comiskey (Black Fork / Drunk Horse), Jim Nastic (Talk Is Poison / Year Future) and Omen Starr (St. James Infirmary). Meeting up with lead engineer Phil Becker at San Francisco’s historic El Studio, the group swiftly recorded the tracks that define The Rat That Gnawed The Rope. The studio, though located in a rather dubious neighborhood, turned out to be a perfect fit for their creative needs. Despite the unusual setting, the band felt right at home in...