As Friends Rust
As Friends Rust · 1999
11 min · 5 tracks · melodic hardcore
A turbulent blend of emotional intensity and melodic undertones that captures the raw essence of late 90s hardcore.
Top tracks — play these first
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Half Friend Town — This opening track sets an immediate tone with its urgent energy and introspective lyrics, encapsulating the band's emotional core.
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Coffee Black — With its intricate guitar work and poignant themes of disconnection, this song showcases the band's ability to blend melody with intensity.
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Scapegoat Wets the Whistle — This track exemplifies the band's dynamic shifts, combining frenetic rhythms with reflective lyrics that delve into personal struggles.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP captures the raw energy of late 90s hardcore while showcasing emotional depth and varied vocal styles.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a fast-paced guitar riff that sets an aggressive tone, which is maintained through the following tracks.
- The EP closes with a slower tempo in 'Scapegoat Wets the Whistle', creating a contrast to the preceding intensity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short, punchy listening sessions
- immediate emotional intensity
- dynamic and engaging hooks
- quick bursts of energy
Where this album fits
- Career context
- As Friends Rust was released in 1999, marking the band's first official EP after their formation in 1996. At this point, they were still establishing their identity within the emerging emotional hardcore scene, following a series of demos and lineup changes. This release would help solidify their presence in the underground music community.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Shai Hulud· Earth Crisis· The Bouncing Souls
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Half Friend Town
The narrative voice critiques superficial friendships while conveying a deep sense of longing for authenticity.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Half Friend Town 2:20
- 2 Like Strings (Spell It With a K) 2:18
- 3 Fire on 8th and 3rd 0:11
- 4 Coffee Black 3:20
- 5 Scapegoat Wets the Whistle 3:43
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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