After undergoing member changes and an enormous amount of time between releases, As Friends Rust finally seems to have put out something fulfilling, a ten-song CD on Doghouse Records entitled Won. Having calmed down a little from their overtly hardcore beginnings, this five-piece seems to fall on the musical table somewhere between Samiam, Stretch Arm Strong, and Hot Water Music. The label suggests them as a cross between Dag Nasty and Turning Point, and that could be seen viable as well. Keeping the hardcore melodic is important to these guys, as there are backing vocals that are actually vocals and not screaming. This lineup has played together in various other forms, including Culture and Bird of Ill Omen, so their music is just about as tight as can be. The one slight negative point of the album is that occasionally the lyrics get cheesy and annoying ("This Is Me Hating You," "Last Call"). Nevertheless, As Friends Rust made a pretty catchy record without losing their harder edge. Won is definitely a winner. ~ Kurt Morris