Good work Peter, I find these smoke pictures very interesting, they have an organic feel about them. That not knowing what you are going to get is very appealing. Your pp has worked well, I like the inversion and colour input, it makes for a vibrant photograph.
#1 I like too but as others have said, when posted compared against #2 it can't compete IMHO. That said, I do like #1, the letterbox crop suits the subject and it doesn't look too clinical, it has that used and well played look about the keys. This would certainly work better on its own. Iain