Album art, it’s something I rarely think about, but Civil War Rust’s mist filled cover of The Fun & The Lonely was the first thing that made me want to listen. As I stared at the picture, maybe stolen from Instagram, Goonies played in my mind. Would this album be as adventurous as Sean Astin was before he grew up and broke my heart? While it wasn’t on the brink of heart stopping, Civil War Rust offered up a trip I’d gladly take again and again.
Right away “Whipping Star” had natural, un-ornamented vocals that screamed Broadway Calls, which made sense since they’re label mates (All For Hope). That punk spirit continued to come through loud and clear as “Freight Train” barreled on, creating a mental pit where I am standing off to the side trying to spare my glasses from a potential windmill. I think the most surprising thing I wrote down as “You’ve Got A Friend” played wasn’t “Toy Story,” but was “AFI.” It was as though Civil War Rust was able to take what makes AFI pop and make it less, shall I dare say, theatrical? It was just straight to the point without all the twirls Davey Havok does in his voice.
The only major downfall was the oddly placed break in “Walking Down Ward.” Every time I played it I thought my iPod had frozen up, for that I have to take a point away. The structure just didn’t sit well with me and I just want to warn anyone who might think their machines have given up on them. Other than that, the content and sound was true to the punk fashion that fans of The Mezingers and Hot Water Music will take a liking to, if they haven’t already.
I have a feeling Corey Feldman’s character in The Goonies would’ve been a little punk kid letting Civil War Rust into his life, if he was alive and real in 2012. But since he’s not, you can have The Fun & The Lonely all to yourself right now! And once you get it, head to their Facebook and check out where you can find them throughout California in April.
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