Acid to Ashes and Rust to Dust

This one-off from Washington, D.C.'s Severin was understandably overlooked during the Dischord records golden age that featured seminal acts like Fugazi, Jawbox, and Shudder to Think. Competing with such notable artists for attention would have been difficult for just about any band of that day, and while Acid to Ashes Rust to Dust is not at all weak, it is understandable how Severin didn't receive much notice. Not quite as defined as their Dischord brethren, Severin's metal and pop tendencies infect tracks like "New #1" and "Stones Throw," respectively, casting prescient images of later West Coast commercial "punk" triumphs. Sadly, this future platinum fare did not fit Severin's own time and place. When considered with the generally competent hardcore of Acid to Ashes Rust to Dust, these shapeless moments appear only as speed bumps on the road to punk self-definition. Unfortunately, the trip was cancelled, as Severin disbanded without attempting follow-up to this credible, but eclipsed, offering.