“Hooked” is a nod to the 90s and 00s by Smoke Kiss in the form of an EP. The vocal reverbs, drum rolls and guitar licks all scream of a time frame we all hold dear. Laced with a hypnotic ambience and a repeating legato, the opener “It’s Time” is a laid back but corrosive sounding tune and is a good way to start things off. The chorus laden vocals and the whole ambience gives a nod to Mother Love Bone, King X and AIC in an earnest way. “My Friend” comes in next and the minor tones are tasty on this one. PT nostalgia even at times, the crooning vocals add the ode to the whole grunge era that this band has aimed for. The bassline and mix sounds sweet and so does the entire EP and Andrew K Wood somehow is smiling somewhere. The third track “Devil’s Disbelief” comes in with an ominous drone and a tremolo laden guitar and vocal harmony gives way to a tasty groovy affair. The dynamics are well planned in this track and is a highlight on this record for us. The final track “Wake Me” is the most Smoke Kiss sounding track on this one. Delays and a bright tune, this one sounds like a staple modern rock song set in 1986 and in the best way possible. All in all, this is a good start by the band and we hope they draw out more from their inspirations in defining the sound that will in return define them in the long run. The last track is a definite nod towards that.