ASG

ASG is a US stoner rock band from Wilmington, North Carolina, active since 2001. The group forms after the break-up of local Wrightsville Beach punk band the Urethra Franklins, with Andy Ellis on bass, Scott Key on drums and Jason Shi on guitar. The lineup also includes Jonah Citty.

Style and background

The band combines punk, metal and classic rock influences, and is also described across hard rock, alternative metal, alternative rock and stoner metal. Their sound is often presented as loud and direct, with a strong live reputation. The group develops in the surf and skate communities around Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington, where it builds an early following.

Releases and touring

ASG self-releases a self-titled full-length album in 2002. It then signs to Volcom Entertainment in 2003 and issues The Amplification of Self-Gratification on the label. The band also appears on Volcom’s “We’ve got Bush” eastern surf tour, plays the 2003 Warped Tour, and later joins Volcom’s “Boy where tha heck’re we going” east coast surf tour. It also tours the Rockies with Guttermouth and Pepper.

Influences and reputation

ASG’s sound is associated with influences including Queens of the Stone Age, Jane’s Addiction, Foo Fighters and In Flames. The group is known for an intense live presence and for drawing support from its local North Carolina scene while gaining a wider audience through touring.