Geekburger.com

SBM

Navigation :: News Updates / CD Reviews / Release Calendar / Features / Show Reviews / Message Board / Contact / About / Links / Home
 
As Friends Rust
A Young Trophy Band In The Parlance Of Our Times
Equal Vision Records
Rating: 7.5/10
Reviewer: Andrew
Reviewed: 6/5/2002
 
I am having difficulty pinpointing the reason why previous efforts from As Friends Rust just haven't grabbed my attention like other releases have, but after giving "A Young Trophy Band In The Parlance Of Our Times" a few listens, and paying more attention to their older material, I have finally developed a long overdue appreciation for As Friends Rust. Whether I'm paying attention to the awesome lyrics or the hardcore guitar riffs, this band doesn't ever fail to impress.

Not only is the title of this short, but sweet EP really cool, but the lyrical delivery is also very notable. The stick-out track on "A Young Trophy Band.." is definitely "Most Americanest," which is released at a time when the content is oh, so relevant. I wouldn't be at all surprised to hear that this song is in response to the immense amount of nationalism that has come about since the September 11th attacks, and though it may seem a little cynical or upset some people, it does a perfect job of putting the feelings I have been experiencing since September 11th. The first track, "More Than Just Music, Its A Hairstyle," has one of those choruses/introductions that will have you singing along during every listen, and provides an unexpected break from the typical yelling vocals that we hear from As Friends Rust.

The music on "A Young Trophy Band.." isn't all different that their previous album, "Won," and provides a solid amount of hardcore influences that we know this band for. However, As Friends Rust have successfully incorporated much more melody into this release, which is especially apparent in "More Than Just Music, Its A Hairstyle," and "Temporary Living," which has verses that have a rap feel to them. Its odd and unexpected, but cool.

If you have been a fan of As Friends Rust in the past, then I don't see how this album could really disappoint you. Though there is a little less hardcore, and more melody, I'd have to say that this is As Friends Rust's best release to date. With lyrics and catchiness that will stick in your head for days at a time, a newer approach to the music, and some straightforward hardcore, this band really has it all. It might be less than 20 minutes of music, but it is not getting old.