As Friends Rust debut full-length album “Won” gives us a glimpse into a world where punk, hardcore, indie powerpop and emo can coexist. Not held down by formulas or barriers As Friends Rust strike out on their own, exploring new areas of music and capture the best of what they find and incorporate it into their sound. 

Formed in Florida in 1996, As Friends Rust quickly became a favorite on the Miami and Ft Lauderdale music scenes with their high-energy performances, uncompromising musicianship and aggressive vocals. Over the past five years As Friends Rust have captured the attention of underground music followers from across the globe with the release of several EP’s and tours. Now the band stands poised to take things to the next level with their critically acclaimed debut album “Won” from Doghouse Records. 

Doghouse Records bills the sound of As Friends Rust  as “energetic hardcore with strong melodic leanings” which blends “punk/hardcore angst with indie-pop hooks and leads, never neglecting the timeless rock n' roll backbone that bonds it all together.” So automatically they have a lot to live up to! Never fear, the band casts all doubts aside with the album opener “We On Some Next Level Shit”. From the opening rabble-rousing guitar riffs you know you’re in for a good time. However, it’s the vocals of Damiem Moyal that gives the music its magic ingredient. He projects plenty of power and gruff while at the same time he manages to always keep his vocals melodic. Switching off from loud angry vocals to more subtle melodic vocal lines, in much the same way that won The Step Kings our album of the year award in 2000. Damiem’s singing gives the music extra depth and texture. No small feat but he pulls it off beautifully. 

That isn’t to say Damiem steals the show. He cohorts are there with him all the way. The duel guitars of Joe Simmons and Floyd Beckham give the music a expansive sound impelled by the hardcore rhythms of Tom Rankine’s driving bass lines and Zach Swain’s take no prisoners approach to drumming. Together they deliver a powerhouse sound that is sure to get your blood flowing. Wait, in all my excitement I got a little ahead of myself. Back to the guitars! Over the past decade we have become used to hearing guitarists take on more of a rhythm role, forgoing searing leads and replacing them with powerchords. As Friends Rust gives us the best of both worlds, with the guitar taking center stage as a lead instrument giving the songs an extra melodic ingredient with the vocals playing off the lead guitar, battling each other for the spotlight and control of the music. 

“Won” comes across like a runaway train with all but one song coming in at under 3 ½ minutes, there is never a dull moment. All the tracks are keepers but if you’re looking for a couples songs that will win the hearts and ears of the record buying public check out “Won’t be the first time” which packs a strong punch with an amazing lead guitar and the perfect amount of vocal hooks to make the song a hit. “We On Some Next Level Shit” is a bit more aggressive but not overpowering. It showcases the band’s mix of melody and uncompromising intensity. 

The most exciting thing about As Friends Rust is from the first time you hear them you quickly forget about all the crappy bands you’ve been exposed to in the recent past and instead thank the gods of rock n roll for delivering something compelling and invigorating that just plain kicks ass! 

If want to start the year off on the right foot "Won" should be your first CD purchase of 2002. antiMUSIC gives this CD two middle fingers up, way up! 
 
 

• Damien Moyal - singer
• Joe Simmons - guitar
• Tom Rankine – bass
• Zach Swain - drums 
• Floyd Beckham - guitar

Won Label: Doghouse Records Rating:

Tracks: We On Some Next Level Shit  Fourteen Or So  Austin, We Have A Problem  Won't Be The First Time  Perfect Stranglers  Morningleaver  Laughing Out Loud  This is Me Hating You  Last Call  Ten