Smoke Over Elsewhere Ignite Nottingham’s Rescue Rooms

September 22, 2025 rocknews

Stepping into the Rescue Rooms the electric hum was palpable before the first chord rang out. Smoke Over Elsewhere, featuring Rhys White on guitar and vocals, his partner Grace on bass, and new drummer Max, took the stage. With Max stepping in after their former sticksman stepped away for other commitments, this gig wasn’t just a performance—it was a bold declaration. Smoke Over Elsewhere is surging forward, and if you haven’t witnessed their live fire yet, it’s time to get on board.

The Build-Up: A Relaunch That’s Paying Off

Since their 2025 relaunch, Smoke Over Elsewhere has transformed from Nottingham bedroom recordings into a sonic powerhouse. In-house producer Noah’s remasters, like the thunderous “Told You So”, breathe new life into tracks recorded in 2023 at Metronome Studios with engineer Alistair Harris and assistance from Jak Perkins of Evil Scarecrow. These songs now throb with a harder groove, dynamic choruses, and solos echoing Jack White’s influence, all wrapped in their signature charm. The lineup—now featuring Max alongside Rhys and Grace—has injected fresh attitude, turning intimate tracks into crowd-pleasing anthems. This Rescue Rooms show showcased that evolution with undeniable flair.

The Performance: Chemistry That Sparks a Fire

As the lights dimmed, Rhys and Grace stormed on like a tempest—Rhys with his guitar slung low, eyes locked on the crowd, and Grace unleashing a bass tone that rumbled like a freight train. New drummer Max, who had just two days to master the setlist, locked in with precision, adding punch to every song. But it was the partners’ unspoken bond that stole the spotlight—every glance, every shared riff radiated fun and chemistry, the kind that only comes from real-life partnership. It’s not just music; it’s a joyful conversation that makes Smoke Over Elsewhere feel alive, intimate, and utterly addictive.

They kicked off with “Beer Gets Here”, a rowdy opener that set the tone with Rhys’s gritty vocals and Grace’s powerhouse Duracell bunny bass driving the rhythm. Next, “Crazy” brought a wild energy, with Max’s drums adding a thunderous kick. “Venom & Faith” showcased Rhys’s esque solo, while Grace’s bass wove a steady pulse, both clearly reveling in the moment, which is exactly what the audience craves. “Fire Blind” intensified the mood, followed by “River Bellow”, where Rhys leaned into a soulful vocal run, echoed by the crowd.

The set peaked with “Told You So”, the remastered gem that had fans singing along, Grace’s bass locking in like a vice, and Max nailing the fills with power. Closing with “Rock ‘N’ Roll Woman”, the trio traded riffs like lovers in a playful duel, leaving the room a sea of raised fists—pure, unfiltered chemistry that had everyone imagining bigger stages.

Building a Fanbase, One Riff at a Time

What makes Smoke Over Elsewhere so damn compelling is their authentic rise. From Nottingham’s underground to the Rescue Rooms, this gig highlighted a band on the brink. The fanbase isn’t just growing; it’s multiplying, drawn to the genuine joy of Rhys and Grace’s partnership, you see it in fans screaming lyrics from remastered gems and newcomers leaving hyped for the next show. Losing their drummer was a curveball, but Maxs punchy debut felt like a bold evolution, not a setback. This trio is crafting a movement, one riff at a time.

Why Smoke Over Elsewhere Demands Your Attention

If you haven’t spun “Told You So” yet, pause now—head to Spotify or Apple Music and crank it. Live, their chemistry turns songs into shared secrets, pulling you into something bigger. Smoke Over Elsewhere isn’t chasing trends; they’re setting them, blending soulful vibes with Nottingham grit in a timeless yet urgent way.

This Rescue Rooms triumph isn’t the end—it’s a launchpad. If you’re not on board yet, you’re missing the ride of your life. Catch them live next time they hit your town, or blast their remasters until you do. Smoke Over Elsewhere isn’t just a band—they’re the spark you didn’t know you needed.