Coming from Lake in the Hills, Ill., I feel lucky to have the Smoking Popes.

The only good rock group to come out of my tiny town, The Smoking Popes are one of my favorite punk bands of all time, regional or not.

Their riffs are melodic, and singer/guitarist Josh Caterer has one of the most unmistakable voices in all of punk, eschewing raspy, scratchy cadences and instead using harmony and melody to fuel their songs about love. They broke up years ago after Caterer (one of the three brothers in the band) converted to Christianity.

However, when they reformed, they came back with an attitude and released “Stay Down”, a stellar album that was comparable to “Born to Quit”, “Get Fired” and “Destination Failure.” Unlike most punk bands who lose their edge after time, the Popes have toured and recorded relentlessly since their reformation.

When they came back in 2006, I had a chance to see them at the House Cafe, and it was one of my favorite shows of all time. I’ll always remember screaming the lyrics to “Pretty Pathetic” in a room full of people singing along with me.

They have seen everything as a band, and it has made them stronger and better each time they come back into town. I’ve had a chance to see them a few times, and it is always a show I will never miss. They are touring for their new album “This is Only a Test,” another strong record in their canon.

Since the album is new, don’t hesitate to come to Otto’s, 118 E. Lincoln Highway, to see them at 9 p.m. Saturday for $14. Joie De Vivre, one of the best ‘90s emo-revival bands on the planet, and Amrita, who gets better every time I see them, are opening. If you do happen to come, you’ll see me there, singing along to every word without a care in the world, just like I was fifteen all over again (only 30 pounds heavier).