Rug

So there's a band named RUG out there guys, and their drummer is a fucking shitfaced crisp flinging crazy Fuck and the vocalist sings really close to the mic and the guitar player loves the Freddy Jones Band.

REVIEW OVER.

Hahahahah. Seriously, I could end the entire shit now and you'd either be on board or moving on to the next band wearing tighter pants than you are, huh boo boo?

No, freal, RUG are kind of blowing my shitballs right now because as long as I listen to them, I'm completely bowled over as to how crisp everything fucking sounds. The vocals are insanely well recorded, the guitars are disgustingly complimentary, the drums are almost annoyingly crisp, but the songwriting is that shit teen girls will be posting to their facebook pages where you have no idea what the Fuck they're talking about, but you almost wish you'd come up with it.

02 has an album cover that reminds me of my high school years, where we'd take off west into the corn to pull 2 footers and listen to the City of Angels soundtrack, and if a cop pulled us over, the chick would shove the open end into her snatch and pretend she was a paraplegic. HAHAHAHA. LIFE WAS GOOD AT 17 BRO BROS. I'm kidding, we didn't hang out with broads. Rannal would swallow that shit bro.

No, freal, the imagery captured in the album cover from RUG's 02 is kind of a tell tale hint that these fuckers are in it for the road, putting the tour as the meat and potatoes, while the one off shows are just fucking stuffed mushrooms.

RUG sound like a modern day Three Door Down, but without the stylist, the record deal or the income from licensing from the American military. There is something mightily endearing about a band of random people you've never heard creating music you feel you've heard before, but in a way you wish you'dve known enough to sing along, and RUG take that shit like a stoner steals a lighter from a friend. It's effortless, completely expected after the first few minutes, and something you'd probably do yourself if you weren't such a shitnecked neckshit.

Seriously the band is tits, the last minute of Something Ordinary (with the bah bah buh bah) could be an entire song and I would drive, and smoke, for fucking days.

SOMEONE GO BUY THIS shit. I CAN GAYRUNTEE THE BASS PLAYER IS USING AN EXPLORER.


By: Joel Frieders - Syffal

So there's a band named RUG out there guys, and their drummer is a fucking shitfaced crisp flinging crazy Fuck and the vocalist sings really close to the mic and the guitar player loves the Freddy Jones Band.

REVIEW OVER.

Hahahahah. Seriously, I could end the entire shit now and you'd either be on board or moving on to the next band wearing tighter pants than you are, huh boo boo?

No, freal, RUG are kind of blowing my shitballs right now because as long as I listen to them, I'm completely bowled over as to how crisp everything fucking sounds. The vocals are insanely well recorded, the guitars are disgustingly complimentary, the drums are almost annoyingly crisp, but the songwriting is that shit teen girls will be posting to their facebook pages where you have no idea what the Fuck they're talking about, but you almost wish you'd come up with it.

02 has an album cover that reminds me of my high school years, where we'd take off west into the corn to pull 2 footers and listen to the City of Angels soundtrack, and if a cop pulled us over, the chick would shove the open end into her snatch and pretend she was a paraplegic. HAHAHAHA. LIFE WAS GOOD AT 17 BRO BROS. I'm kidding, we didn't hang out with broads. Rannal would swallow that shit bro.

No, freal, the imagery captured in the album cover from RUG's 02 is kind of a tell tale hint that these fuckers are in it for the road, putting the tour as the meat and potatoes, while the one off shows are just fucking stuffed mushrooms.

RUG sound like a modern day Three Door Down, but without the stylist, the record deal or the income from licensing from the American military. There is something mightily endearing about a band of random people you've never heard creating music you feel you've heard before, but in a way you wish you'dve known enough to sing along, and RUG take that shit like a stoner steals a lighter from a friend. It's effortless, completely expected after the first few minutes, and something you'd probably do yourself if you weren't such a shitnecked neckshit.

Seriously the band is tits, the last minute of Something Ordinary (with the bah bah buh bah) could be an entire song and I would drive, and smoke, for fucking days.

SOMEONE GO BUY THIS shit. I CAN GAYRUNTEE THE BASS PLAYER IS USING AN EXPLORER.


By: Joel Frieders - Syffal

By Sheridan Block | July 04, 2012

Think about the longest you've ever had to wait for something you so badly wanted and multiply that by 1,000. If there's one thing that being in a band has taught Jon Messeroff, lead vocalist and guitarist for RUG, it's that patience is necessary when it comes to making music.

"I think we're starting to take the right steps," Messeroff said. "We're talking to the right people and making the right connections that could benefit us. We're pretty comfortable with what we're doing now."

RUG is a four-piece pop-rock band from Orlando. Oviedo resident Messeroff leads in vocals, Hogan Birney supports on bass, Andrew Brooks gives melody with the guitar and Cornelius "C.L." Freeman sets the rhythm on drums. Though RUG was created in 2008, the current lineup has only been playing together for under a year.

While each member comes from a different musical background, their shared experiences and styles blend well together and create a unique sound.

"Our music is so simple, but it evolves into something complex and it somehow comes together. [The style] was an evolution," Birney said.

Though its sound is comparable to the popular rock band Kings of Leon, the group draws influence from other artists as well. Jeff Buckley, Jack White and The National are some musicians who have inspired the members of RUG in one way or another. However, when it comes to playing its music, the groups' sound isn't determined by its influences. Each member adds a distinct style, Messeroff said.

As they found their niche, RUG dedicated three months to create their first full-length album, 02, which was released just last month. The album is completely different from their first extended play - and not just because of the revised roster. Produced by Steven Howell and RUG's own Brooks, the album displays the creative talents of the rising musicians.

"It's the best thing we've done so far in terms of sound and cohesiveness," Brooks said. "I'm very proud of it."

There's no set theme or story to follow along on 02. The lyrics were inspired by a variety of things from special occasions witnessed in the track "Wedding Bells" to voicemails and experiences of Birney's adventures in Nebraska heard on the song "Winnebago." Rather than giving listeners a tale to follow, the band wants audiences to make their interpretations of the songs. Getting the music to sound cohesive was more important than maintaining a consistent story, Birney said.

The album has seen a positive reception from fans and first-time listeners alike and leaves the group humbled and encouraged. Even music lovers who don't typically listen to this genre can appreciate RUG's sound. Walt Clough, vocalist for Jacksonville's pop-punk band The Pinz, bought a copy of 02 after sharing a stage with the group in Jacksonville last month.

"They've got it down," Clough said. "I bought a CD, and they have a cool air about them. I can definitely see us playing with them again."

RUG has even seen a growth in their international fan base as listeners download their songs and leave supportive comments in broken English.

"We're not thirsty for a global audience, but it's so cool to see it reaching out to so many people," Messeroff said.

Despite their rising popularity, the band members aren't looking to be seen as rockstars. While they aspire to reach the highest level as musicians and play for larger crowds, RUG is more focused on spreading the word about the music, earning new fans and making the right connections in the industry.

Currently, RUG is focused on promoting the new album and scheduling tours. They're headlining concerts in Miami and Lake Worth this month as well as shooting a live video. Fans can follow them on Twitter (@RugtheBand) and Facebook to keep up with all upcoming events.

"We've come a long way," Messeroff said. "We're just being patient and waiting for the right thing to happen in the right way."

- Seminole Chronicle

By Sheridan Block | July 04, 2012

Think about the longest you've ever had to wait for something you so badly wanted and multiply that by 1,000. If there's one thing that being in a band has taught Jon Messeroff, lead vocalist and guitarist for RUG, it's that patience is necessary when it comes to making music.

"I think we're starting to take the right steps," Messeroff said. "We're talking to the right people and making the right connections that could benefit us. We're pretty comfortable with what we're doing now."

RUG is a four-piece pop-rock band from Orlando. Oviedo resident Messeroff leads in vocals, Hogan Birney supports on bass, Andrew Brooks gives melody with the guitar and Cornelius "C.L." Freeman sets the rhythm on drums. Though RUG was created in 2008, the current lineup has only been playing together for under a year.

While each member comes from a different musical background, their shared experiences and styles blend well together and create a unique sound.

"Our music is so simple, but it evolves into something complex and it somehow comes together. [The style] was an evolution," Birney said.

Though its sound is comparable to the popular rock band Kings of Leon, the group draws influence from other artists as well. Jeff Buckley, Jack White and The National are some musicians who have inspired the members of RUG in one way or another. However, when it comes to playing its music, the groups' sound isn't determined by its influences. Each member adds a distinct style, Messeroff said.

As they found their niche, RUG dedicated three months to create their first full-length album, 02, which was released just last month. The album is completely different from their first extended play - and not just because of the revised roster. Produced by Steven Howell and RUG's own Brooks, the album displays the creative talents of the rising musicians.

"It's the best thing we've done so far in terms of sound and cohesiveness," Brooks said. "I'm very proud of it."

There's no set theme or story to follow along on 02. The lyrics were inspired by a variety of things from special occasions witnessed in the track "Wedding Bells" to voicemails and experiences of Birney's adventures in Nebraska heard on the song "Winnebago." Rather than giving listeners a tale to follow, the band wants audiences to make their interpretations of the songs. Getting the music to sound cohesive was more important than maintaining a consistent story, Birney said.

The album has seen a positive reception from fans and first-time listeners alike and leaves the group humbled and encouraged. Even music lovers who don't typically listen to this genre can appreciate RUG's sound. Walt Clough, vocalist for Jacksonville's pop-punk band The Pinz, bought a copy of 02 after sharing a stage with the group in Jacksonville last month.

"They've got it down," Clough said. "I bought a CD, and they have a cool air about them. I can definitely see us playing with them again."

RUG has even seen a growth in their international fan base as listeners download their songs and leave supportive comments in broken English.

"We're not thirsty for a global audience, but it's so cool to see it reaching out to so many people," Messeroff said.

Despite their rising popularity, the band members aren't looking to be seen as rockstars. While they aspire to reach the highest level as musicians and play for larger crowds, RUG is more focused on spreading the word about the music, earning new fans and making the right connections in the industry.

Currently, RUG is focused on promoting the new album and scheduling tours. They're headlining concerts in Miami and Lake Worth this month as well as shooting a live video. Fans can follow them on Twitter (@RugtheBand) and Facebook to keep up with all upcoming events.

"We've come a long way," Messeroff said. "We're just being patient and waiting for the right thing to happen in the right way."

- Seminole Chronicle

Orlando rock band Rug offer precious few clues as to what kind of music they play with their vague name and numerically titled release. At first pass, with just a casual listen, they could be dismissed out of hand as another indie pop band. With a focus on melodies and conspicuous sidestepping of obvious rock 101 moves, the band seems slightly smarter, and musically more self aware than most.

Jon Messeroff sings “Leaving this town/I’m just waiting on you” on “The Runaway,” a propulsive and melancholy song. Here he intertwines hope and heartbreak on this song about leaving home.

And departure is a recurring theme throughout the CD. “61” and “Winnebago” are also travelogues. There’s a searching for peace of mind, and the opportunity of a new beginning before you wake up shackled to the same things that tied others down and destroyed their dreams.

“Leave it up to Science” calls to mind The Talking Heads during their Stop Making Sense period. There’s a dance groove, quirky lyrics, and shimmering guitar leads that builds upon itself.

The songs are densely constructed, maximizing the use of the musicians with the second guitar often working at sharp contrast to the other, reminiscent of The Church. These musical moments interject subtly, adding color and just the right amount of texture, rather than building yet another dense layer of rhythm. The production is exceptional throughout the disc. With most of the songs in the mid-tempo range, the occasional goose into high speed or even possibly a slowing into second gear might be welcome, just for the sake of variety.

All in all this is a refreshing disc of ultimately hopeful songs. As Messeroff states on “Arms and Legs,” “Sugar pills won’t fool me.” Indeed, this is one Rug that’s hard to beat. - Indie Music

Rug, from Orlando in the USA is a four-piece indie rock band comprising Jon Messeroff (vocals/guitar), Hogan Birney (bass/vocals), Andrew Brooks (guitar) and C.L. Freeman (drums).

There is a feeling of Americana Rock that inescapably slips out of the speakers and swaggers around the room before filling the room with a powerfully delivered and constructed lyrical and instrumental confidence. The music sits neatly in the space that makes this a hook for airplay, but it doesn’t sound as though they have compromised on the intentions of their out-put. Rug is not trying to break the mould, and that is no bad thing, little point in reinventing something that works well if that is your natural home-ground and I get the distinct impression that is the case here.

What marks the quartet out for inclusion on the website is the subtlety of the music, if you take time to let the slick production slide away the lyric explores a well written and vocally delivered story-line and the music surrounds that story with a relevant backdrop which pulls the tracks to a point of creative relevance. Rug is also able to wander over a broad space in their chosen ground, so you aren’t left with the feeling of – heard this on the last track.

The recently released LP – 02 is available on iTunes!

- Indie Bands Blog

Rug, from Orlando in the USA is a four-piece indie rock band comprising Jon Messeroff (vocals/guitar), Hogan Birney (bass/vocals), Andrew Brooks (guitar) and C.L. Freeman (drums).

There is a feeling of Americana Rock that inescapably slips out of the speakers and swaggers around the room before filling the room with a powerfully delivered and constructed lyrical and instrumental confidence. The music sits neatly in the space that makes this a hook for airplay, but it doesn’t sound as though they have compromised on the intentions of their out-put. Rug is not trying to break the mould, and that is no bad thing, little point in reinventing something that works well if that is your natural home-ground and I get the distinct impression that is the case here.

What marks the quartet out for inclusion on the website is the subtlety of the music, if you take time to let the slick production slide away the lyric explores a well written and vocally delivered story-line and the music surrounds that story with a relevant backdrop which pulls the tracks to a point of creative relevance. Rug is also able to wander over a broad space in their chosen ground, so you aren’t left with the feeling of – heard this on the last track.

The recently released LP – 02 is available on iTunes!

- Indie Bands Blog

Who’s Rug? How did you guys all meet and start this band?

Rug was formed in 2009 by Jon (vocals/guitar) and Hogan (bass). Hogan and I met through a mutual friend. Hogan was a guitarist, but Rug needed a bassist, so he borrowed a friend’s bass and has been with Rug ever since. Andrew (guitar) went to college with Hogan and joined about two years ago, and we found C.L. on Craigslist in 2011. We’ve had some other members come and go over the last few years, but we are really happy with where we’re at right now. We all have the same goals and get along really well – it makes writing and touring a lot easier.



What’s the story behind the band’s name?

Sorry to be boring, but there’s really no meaning behind the name. I wish he had a funny or clever story, but, sadly, it’s just a word. A random word that we thought would be an interesting and memorable band name. We knew we wanted a short one-word name. Someone shouted out Rug during a brainstorming session and it immediately stuck.



What are your musical influences?

As a band, our music influences are pretty vast, but I think we also tend to listen to a lot of the same bands. We’re big fans of The National, Young the Giant, Kings of Leon, Wild Beasts, Temper Trap and Tokyo Police club. The influences from some of these bands are pretty obvious, but most of them aren’t. We’re all just huge fans of music. When we aren’t writing or playing our own music, we’re usually listening to someone else’s.



How was it to perform with Plain Jane Automobile at the House of Blues and Motion City Soundtrack at the Stetson University Homecoming?

We’ve had the opportunity to play a lot of great shows, including our CD Release Show last month. The House of Blues show and playing with Motion City Soundtrack definitely stand out as a couple of our favorites. The great thing about these shows was that we had the opportunity to play for these big crowds that weren’t very familiar with Rug or our music. That’s what you hope for as a band when you book a gig. Our friends and fans have been so great so far, and we owe a lot to them, but we love playing shows where there is a room full of people that have no idea who we are. We love seeing listeners react to our music for the first time.



02. How was the recording and writing process? What makes this record different to your past record? How did you come up with the title?

The ten tracks on 02 were written over the course of about a year. We have a very collaborative writing style – everyone is free to add their own ideas and put their own influence on a song. Each song is different. For instance, on tracks like Winnebago and The Runaway, we had a very clear idea of where the song was going to go. But on tracks like Memo, which we wrote after pre-production in the studio, the end wasn’t as clear. We recorded 02 at North Avenue Studios in Orange City, Florida, the same studio where we recorded our EP. We made sure that this time around we were better organized to make a record. Our guitarist, Andrew Brooks, took a lot of the engineering into his own hands and really allowed us to be in control of the tone and direction of the record. The album’s title really just represents where we are as a band. It’s our second release and Rug’s next step. The title 02 just seemed to fit.



So you guys are hitting the road. Can you give us some details about it and what can we expect?

Playing live is what we really love to do. We’ve been traveling across Florida promoting the album and will be heading into Georgia and beyond soon. In our immediate future, we have shows in Miami (The Stage; July 19th | 9PM) and Lake Worth (Propaganda; July 20th | 10PM). We always update our touring schedule at www.rugtheband.com.



Speaking of which, what has been the funniest moment you’ve had or took part in while touring?

We played a show in Jacksonville last month during what felt like and end-of-days type apocalyptic monsoon. Despite these terrible weather conditions, we were determined to leave the club to get a pre-show dinner at the ironically named “Hurricane’s Bar & Grill.” To avoid being completely soaked, we fashioned some ponchos out of large black trash bags. Thankfully they were unused. If you happened to be driving down Hendricks avenue at this exact moment, you would have seen four idiots sprinting down the street through ankle deep water wearing the sexiest garbage bag ponchos you’ve ever seen.



Are there any more plans for the future we should be aware of?

We’ve just recorded a In-stuio live performance video as a part of the Off the Avenue video series at North Avenue Studios. It should be released on YouTube by next month. We’ll also be focusing on promoting the album and our touring schedule. We’ve also floated out the idea of a Rug Christmas tune. We’re open to suggestions.



Where can we find you in Internetland?

Our new album, 02, is available on iTunes, Spotify and CDB - Vents Magazine

Music is everywhere. It’s in our cars, in our phones, in our computers, in the gym, at restaurants, and even piped into town squares occasionally. But how often do you really realize the music playing around you? We’ve become used to music being everywhere; it’s almost a white noise of Rihanna’s cake cake cake cake and Flo Rida’s rehashed ‘80s melodies over synthy computer sounds that we only notice when they’re not playing.



Rug, a band from Orlando, Florida is a bit different. In fact, they’re very different. This is a band you should listen to when they come on. Rug has just debuted their sophomore album 02 and, well, it’s definitely worth listening to. Listening to a band with a very trademark noise is always an interesting adventure. Think of one of those bands that when their album ended you thought “Well crap. What do I listen to now?” Rug’s album starts off almost on a Kings of Leon note with their first single for the album Winnebago. Jon Messeroff, Rug’s vocalist, sounds so reminiscent that if this album was next on your list after KOL you might not notice the difference at first.



But as similar as the sound begin, Rug does sort of what you wish Kings of Leon did, which was be exciting. Rug isn’t a boring band, and their well composed, thought out songs reflect that. Winnebago is a great combination of a known noise and a new band’s signature style.



Rug almost baits you in with a sound you recognize and educates you on their ways as you listen to the new album. The third song on the record, ’61, begins to reflect what the band really stands for with a unique sound and vocals that stay on target for the rest of the album, but the band kicks it up with the next song, Something Ordinary.



Something Ordinary has a super catchy beat and a melody that will have you humming along easily. The song’s full sound and chugging beat will definitely keep you interested for what I think is the best song on the album Leave It Up to Science. LIUTS is one of those songs that does everything you imagine the song should. If you were to sit at your desk and air band this song exactly how you wanted to it would probably follow suit perfectly. And I like a song like that.



For me, Arms & Legs is the next stand out song. As one of the final songs on the album, the band having pulled you this far into the album, the song gives you a crash course on Rug. Strong vocals, high pitched, interesting guitars, and complicated drums keep this song as another favorite on the album and reflects the personality of the band very well. I’ve honestly been sitting around thinking about what to compare this band to and aside from the intermittent Kings of Leon noise; I really think they’ve found their own.



02 is available now from Rug on iTunes (click this link to listen), Facebook, and their website Rugtheband.com. So if you’re tired of Rihanna being your white noise, give your ears a break and play something awesome instead. - Textbook 12 (John P. Kelly)

Saturday night, May 12, the BackBooth played host to RUG, Heckfire, and RJ Harman and Company. This was the official CD release show for RUG’s “02.”

There was a sparse early crowd when RJ Harman and Company took the stage, but it built steadily during the band’s performance. The five piece local Orlando band, RJ Harman (vocals, harmonica), Rachel Harman (vocals), Chris Valone (guitar), Nick Holcomb (bass) and Will Vazoso (drums), played a high-energy set of funky, Jazz and Blues inspired music. It was impossible for the crowd to stay still for the band’s groove-laden, spirited music. Their set included “Bottlecaps,” “Flower Dragon” and “Lady MacBeth” from their recently released CD, “No Refunds.”

Next up was Deland based Heckfire for their first Orlando show. The BackBooth stage usually accommodates bands pretty well, but the five piece band looked really crowded up there in a sea of guitars and keyboards. Lead vocalist Roberto Aguilar did his best to maneuver around the stage and connect with the crowd in front, even sitting out on the edge at one point.

By the time RUG hit the stage, the venue was packed. The four piece local Orlando band, Jonathan Messeroff (vocals, guitar), Hogan Birney (vocals, bass), Andrew Brooks (guitar) and C.L. Freeman (drums), played their new release “02” in its entirety, in order. The skillfully crafted songs sounded as terrific live as they do on the CD (see Examiner.com review here). The rich, warm musical tones and Messeroff’s smooth, melodic lead vocal easily soared in the live setting.

There’s not much “flash” at a RUG show, unless you spend the majority of the show watching Freeman on drums. The man knows when to lie back, relax and bring out the charm and big smiles and when to bring it with a bombastic drumming sequence, regularly tossing out shredded sticks without missing a beat.

After the last strains of “Come and Go” the band were refused passage off the stage for an audience demanded encore. They picked up their instruments and gave the crowd one last song, “Savior” from their 2010 EP “This Town Is Crowded.”

The note they left on their merch table said it all “Went to rock the house. Be back soon.”

For those not lucky enough to have been at the show to get a copy of the new CD, “02” is available on iTunes. - Examiner.com

Saturday night, May 12, the BackBooth played host to RUG, Heckfire, and RJ Harman and Company. This was the official CD release show for RUG’s “02.”

There was a sparse early crowd when RJ Harman and Company took the stage, but it built steadily during the band’s performance. The five piece local Orlando band, RJ Harman (vocals, harmonica), Rachel Harman (vocals), Chris Valone (guitar), Nick Holcomb (bass) and Will Vazoso (drums), played a high-energy set of funky, Jazz and Blues inspired music. It was impossible for the crowd to stay still for the band’s groove-laden, spirited music. Their set included “Bottlecaps,” “Flower Dragon” and “Lady MacBeth” from their recently released CD, “No Refunds.”

Next up was Deland based Heckfire for their first Orlando show. The BackBooth stage usually accommodates bands pretty well, but the five piece band looked really crowded up there in a sea of guitars and keyboards. Lead vocalist Roberto Aguilar did his best to maneuver around the stage and connect with the crowd in front, even sitting out on the edge at one point.

By the time RUG hit the stage, the venue was packed. The four piece local Orlando band, Jonathan Messeroff (vocals, guitar), Hogan Birney (vocals, bass), Andrew Brooks (guitar) and C.L. Freeman (drums), played their new release “02” in its entirety, in order. The skillfully crafted songs sounded as terrific live as they do on the CD (see Examiner.com review here). The rich, warm musical tones and Messeroff’s smooth, melodic lead vocal easily soared in the live setting.

There’s not much “flash” at a RUG show, unless you spend the majority of the show watching Freeman on drums. The man knows when to lie back, relax and bring out the charm and big smiles and when to bring it with a bombastic drumming sequence, regularly tossing out shredded sticks without missing a beat.

After the last strains of “Come and Go” the band were refused passage off the stage for an audience demanded encore. They picked up their instruments and gave the crowd one last song, “Savior” from their 2010 EP “This Town Is Crowded.”

The note they left on their merch table said it all “Went to rock the house. Be back soon.”

For those not lucky enough to have been at the show to get a copy of the new CD, “02” is available on iTunes. - Examiner.com

“02” is the debut full-length release from local Orlando band RUG, music like this won’t keep the band a local secret for long. The rich, warm flowing multi-dimensional Rock music coupled with Jonathan Messeroff’s charismatic lead vocal and story-telling lyrics serve to draw a listener in song after song until they are startled to realize the CD is over.

“Winnebago” is a perfect way to start the listener’s journey along RUG’s musical pathway with their ear-catching music and Messeroff’s heartfelt vocals. The stark opening of “The Runaway” builds slowly through the song, gaining momentum to a spirited conclusion. The slower, hypnotic “’61” lures the listener further along as Messeroff sings “leave your home / it’s all you’ve ever known,” while the steady, driving beats in “Something Ordinary” dare the listener to sit still.

The intoxicating “Wedding Bells” has a bluesy feel to the music as Messeroff sings of a celebration. “Leave It Up To Science” has a dark, edgier vibe to the music, while “Thorn” takes the listener on a short excursion even closer to the edge. The swirling, spinning music in “Memo” gives way to the steering, bopping beats in “Arms and Legs.” Closing out the musical trip is “Come and Go,” an intense song with a sulky vocal building and soaring towards the end.

It’s easy to get lost in RUG’s “02.” The beautiful songs, rich tones, rhythmic music, and thoughtful, expressive lyrics easily captivate the listener. “02” has all quality songs that have a universal appeal for music fans across many genres.

“02” will be officially released at RUG’s show Saturday, May 12, at the BackBooth in Orlando.

Music fans can check out the local Orlando band on their FaceBook page, You Tube Channel, and Twitter feed. - Examiner.com

“02” is the debut full-length release from local Orlando band RUG, music like this won’t keep the band a local secret for long. The rich, warm flowing multi-dimensional Rock music coupled with Jonathan Messeroff’s charismatic lead vocal and story-telling lyrics serve to draw a listener in song after song until they are startled to realize the CD is over.

“Winnebago” is a perfect way to start the listener’s journey along RUG’s musical pathway with their ear-catching music and Messeroff’s heartfelt vocals. The stark opening of “The Runaway” builds slowly through the song, gaining momentum to a spirited conclusion. The slower, hypnotic “’61” lures the listener further along as Messeroff sings “leave your home / it’s all you’ve ever known,” while the steady, driving beats in “Something Ordinary” dare the listener to sit still.

The intoxicating “Wedding Bells” has a bluesy feel to the music as Messeroff sings of a celebration. “Leave It Up To Science” has a dark, edgier vibe to the music, while “Thorn” takes the listener on a short excursion even closer to the edge. The swirling, spinning music in “Memo” gives way to the steering, bopping beats in “Arms and Legs.” Closing out the musical trip is “Come and Go,” an intense song with a sulky vocal building and soaring towards the end.

It’s easy to get lost in RUG’s “02.” The beautiful songs, rich tones, rhythmic music, and thoughtful, expressive lyrics easily captivate the listener. “02” has all quality songs that have a universal appeal for music fans across many genres.

“02” will be officially released at RUG’s show Saturday, May 12, at the BackBooth in Orlando.

Music fans can check out the local Orlando band on their FaceBook page, You Tube Channel, and Twitter feed. - Examiner.com

On its 2010 EP, "This Town Is Crowded," Orlando indie-rock foursome Rug displayed its customary musicianship, but the skills were too often lost in material that unfolded as riffs better suited for jamming than memorable songs.

Somehow, that issue has been resolved on the band's follow-up and first full-length album, "02." The new release will be celebrated with a show on Saturday at BackBooth. A taste of the new album was offered at the band's recent Florida Music Festival showcase, evidence that Rug has found a way to connect its polished playing with songs that are tightly constructed to make the most of it.

How'd that happen?

According to lead singer Jon Messeroff, the band was in an unexpected state of flux in 2010, just as the production of "This Town Is Crowded" was shifting into high gear. The band's former drummer departed, causing last-minute changes to some of the arrangements.

This time around, there was no such drama, he says. The band's current lineup — Messeroff, bassist Hogan Birney, guitarist Andrew Brooks and drummer C.L. Freeman — spent almost two years writing and arranging the album's 10 songs, allowing them to develop at a relaxed pace.

"When we recorded the EP, there was a slightly more manic approach to the songs," Messeroff said. "We had to scramble to put the pieces back together. This time around, everyone's on the same page. We were better organized to put together a record."

Although Messeroff often brings the embryo of a new song to the band, the final result is collaborative, especially when it comes to the textured guitar figures crafted by Brooks, who received his musical training at Stetson University in DeLand.

"For the most part, with most of these songs, I'd have a very, very basic skeleton, almost the shell of something," Messeroff said. "Then we'd all get together and it wouldn't really be complete until Hogan adds the bass and Andrew adds the guitar."

The band recorded the songs at North Avenue Studios in Orange City, which has built its buzz as a go-to spot for acts that include Thomas Wynn and the Believers. Rug arrived with most of the songs fully formed, though the band did put together one track, the jazz-tinged "Memo," in the studio.

"Leave It to Science," the first song composed for the project, is framed by the foundation of Freeman's drums, which anchor the song's frisky, slightly funky, feel. The drums also add welcome polyrhythmic touches to several of the tracks that lean unexpectedly toward slower ballads.

"'61," Messeroff's rumination on the year that his father was born, unfolds with a vaguely bluesy feel, a mood that's elevated by a memorable chorus. It's a departure from the sound of the band's previous release.

"The emotional tone of that song is a little bit more serious than some of the rest," Messeroff says. "It is like a bluesy sort of guitar riff, but that lead guitar line has kind of a country twang to it."


To my ears, it sounds more likeWilco'stake on country music, which is high praise indeed.

In reality, the band might have missed its chance to write a perfect country song. The inspiration for "Wedding Bells" was a fight that Messeroff witnessed between guests at a wedding reception, fodder for a tear-jerker if ever there was.

Instead, it yielded another moody song, with interesting splashes of percussion.

"I have no classical training in any instrument or voice," Messeroff says. "I just write based on my experience as a listener."
- Orlando Sentinel

On its 2010 EP, "This Town Is Crowded," Orlando indie-rock foursome Rug displayed its customary musicianship, but the skills were too often lost in material that unfolded as riffs better suited for jamming than memorable songs.

Somehow, that issue has been resolved on the band's follow-up and first full-length album, "02." The new release will be celebrated with a show on Saturday at BackBooth. A taste of the new album was offered at the band's recent Florida Music Festival showcase, evidence that Rug has found a way to connect its polished playing with songs that are tightly constructed to make the most of it.

How'd that happen?

According to lead singer Jon Messeroff, the band was in an unexpected state of flux in 2010, just as the production of "This Town Is Crowded" was shifting into high gear. The band's former drummer departed, causing last-minute changes to some of the arrangements.

This time around, there was no such drama, he says. The band's current lineup — Messeroff, bassist Hogan Birney, guitarist Andrew Brooks and drummer C.L. Freeman — spent almost two years writing and arranging the album's 10 songs, allowing them to develop at a relaxed pace.

"When we recorded the EP, there was a slightly more manic approach to the songs," Messeroff said. "We had to scramble to put the pieces back together. This time around, everyone's on the same page. We were better organized to put together a record."

Although Messeroff often brings the embryo of a new song to the band, the final result is collaborative, especially when it comes to the textured guitar figures crafted by Brooks, who received his musical training at Stetson University in DeLand.

"For the most part, with most of these songs, I'd have a very, very basic skeleton, almost the shell of something," Messeroff said. "Then we'd all get together and it wouldn't really be complete until Hogan adds the bass and Andrew adds the guitar."

The band recorded the songs at North Avenue Studios in Orange City, which has built its buzz as a go-to spot for acts that include Thomas Wynn and the Believers. Rug arrived with most of the songs fully formed, though the band did put together one track, the jazz-tinged "Memo," in the studio.

"Leave It to Science," the first song composed for the project, is framed by the foundation of Freeman's drums, which anchor the song's frisky, slightly funky, feel. The drums also add welcome polyrhythmic touches to several of the tracks that lean unexpectedly toward slower ballads.

"'61," Messeroff's rumination on the year that his father was born, unfolds with a vaguely bluesy feel, a mood that's elevated by a memorable chorus. It's a departure from the sound of the band's previous release.

"The emotional tone of that song is a little bit more serious than some of the rest," Messeroff says. "It is like a bluesy sort of guitar riff, but that lead guitar line has kind of a country twang to it."


To my ears, it sounds more likeWilco'stake on country music, which is high praise indeed.

In reality, the band might have missed its chance to write a perfect country song. The inspiration for "Wedding Bells" was a fight that Messeroff witnessed between guests at a wedding reception, fodder for a tear-jerker if ever there was.

Instead, it yielded another moody song, with interesting splashes of percussion.

"I have no classical training in any instrument or voice," Messeroff says. "I just write based on my experience as a listener."
- Orlando Sentinel

Back at the Social, Orlando’s Rug previewed songs off its upcoming album, due on May 12. The new material shows that the band isn’t as prone to free-wheeling excursions as it once was. In songs such as the lovely “‘61,” frontman Jonathan Messeroff and his mates harness the band’s musicianship in the service of more compact, well-crafted compositions. A good move.

-Jim Abbott (Orlando Sentinel) - Orlando Sentinel

Back at the Social, Orlando’s Rug previewed songs off its upcoming album, due on May 12. The new material shows that the band isn’t as prone to free-wheeling excursions as it once was. In songs such as the lovely “‘61,” frontman Jonathan Messeroff and his mates harness the band’s musicianship in the service of more compact, well-crafted compositions. A good move.

-Jim Abbott (Orlando Sentinel) - Orlando Sentinel

With pop music dominating the radio airwaves, it is refreshing to hear a rock band like RUG emerging. Over the past couple of years, RUG has had their share of membership changes. With drummers transitioning, lead singer/guitarist Jon Messeroff, lead guitarist Andrew Brooks and bassist Hogan Birney have still managed to keep their raw and energetic sound consistent.
Last year marked the official release of RUG's debut EP "This Town Is Crowded," which can be purchased on iTunes. Messeroff says, "With 'This Town,' we all agreed that our live sound is unique and what we hoped to capture on the record - we wanted to be as emotionally captivating as possible."
RUG's sound is definitely unique. It manages to be rock, eclectic and soulful all at the same time...Messerof's vocals are expressive yet gravelly and contain the right amount of passion and fiery presence that will move even the most impassive person.
Unlike the band's name, RUG's songs are anything but random, short and meaningless. The songs are carefully thought out and written. Messeroff sings as if his life depends on it. Birney and Brooks play chords that are complex and calculated. There is nothing simple about the band RUG, despite what their name might imply. RUG does not have to try to be ubiquitous, because they naturally are. Their music is able to span all genres of music, styles and tastes.
On the ambient track "Something In the Sand," Messeroff's vocals soar. "She Sees Ghosts" hooks you with a rattling drum beat in the chorus, which makes it one of my favorites. All in all, "This Town" is a solid effort. It's well written - the lyrics are descriptive and abstract at times, rather than cliched. It is easy to listen to, and has an expansive sound that will play well in any arena.
Messerof is not afraid to admit that RUG would like to be a little more mainstream. In order to get there, Messeroff explains that they are trying to write music that appeals to a larger audience. He expressed the the ultimate goal of RUG is to take a turn from the complex to the simple, while constantly improving on the music. "We want to try and appeal to a broader audience," he said.
RUG will be performing on May 6th at Jack Rabbits in Jacksonville and May 14th at Will's Pub in Orlando.

-Damecia Jackson - The Reporter (Deland, Fl)

Orlando's Rug will celebrate the release of its new This Town is Crowded with a Saturday show at the Social.

The seven-song release, recorded at North Avenue Studios in Orange City, shows that the trio — singer-guitarist Jon Messeroff, singer-bassist Hogan Birney and drummer Matt Duncan — is still all about reliable, riff-oriented pop.

Much of the material, whether it's the opening "Don Cesar" or the breezy "From Six to Midnight," is built on a template that becomes a tad predictable: A moody introduction that coalesces into melodies that are better for jamming than singing along.

There aren't many hooks here.

In that realm, though, Rug executes with precision. "If It Suits You," in particular, unfolds with an admirable amount of fire — especially in the sections when the rawness of the vocals and the driving drums wipe away some of the ever-present polish. More of that fire would be welcome.

- The Orlando Sentinel (Jim Abbott)

Orlando's Rug will celebrate the release of its new This Town is Crowded with a Saturday show at the Social.

The seven-song release, recorded at North Avenue Studios in Orange City, shows that the trio — singer-guitarist Jon Messeroff, singer-bassist Hogan Birney and drummer Matt Duncan — is still all about reliable, riff-oriented pop.

Much of the material, whether it's the opening "Don Cesar" or the breezy "From Six to Midnight," is built on a template that becomes a tad predictable: A moody introduction that coalesces into melodies that are better for jamming than singing along.

There aren't many hooks here.

In that realm, though, Rug executes with precision. "If It Suits You," in particular, unfolds with an admirable amount of fire — especially in the sections when the rawness of the vocals and the driving drums wipe away some of the ever-present polish. More of that fire would be welcome.

- The Orlando Sentinel (Jim Abbott)

Well we said we would do it, and here it is - our first installation of Music You May Not Know About. This is the section of our website where we'll be bringing you music from bands that are beginning to gain some steam. They may be local, they may just be smaller or completely unsigned, either way, they sound great and you need to know about it.

The first band we're going to feature on here is named Rug.
And let me say, These boys know what they're doing. In my last post I mentioned I was going to see Rug play in Orlando, Florida and the show was phenomenal. Rug is based out of Orlando, Florida and have roots of a developing band as long ago 2000. In the past year though, they've been busy. With a bunch of shows under their belts, a 2nd place showing at the huge Daytona Beach Int'l Festival Battle of the Bands, an EP recorded, a live show recorded and a growing fan base, this band is going somewhere.
Before they recorded I got to sit in and hear these guys practice a few songs and after seeing them the other night, this is one of those go-see-them-live-if-you-appreciate-music bands. These guys put on a show that will leave you speechless, the sound they create makes you want to just keep asking for more (which many people were doing). Makes me angry I forgot my camera the other night.
In addition to all of that, it's so easy to listen to this EP. I've listened to it almost three times just writing this. Anyway, of course I'm going to give you some music to listen to but before I do that I'm going to say you need to go see these guys at Floyd's Music Store in Tallahassee, Florida on August 8th. I guarantee you'll be hearing about these guys in the future. And also check out they're Myspace at Myspace.com/Rug
Ok so here we go, Here are two tracks for you. The first, Sparrow, if off of the Rug EP, and the next song, Traveling By Night is an Attempts At Hip exclusive track


-Jack Kelly; Attempts At Hip - Attempts At Hip

"Rug is destined to play sold out arena shows in the very near future. This is one of the hardest-working regional bands I've come across in recent memory, and their stage show is impeccable, non-stop, and impossible to look away from. Everything works here, from the complex - occasionally slogging, but more often bouncing and worthy of the dance riots they incite - poly-rhythms coming from the back line, to Hagan and Messeroff's one-two punch of gruff, but passionate, woodshed vocal presence. And the guitars call to mind the best aspects of U2's The Edge, coupled with more modern influences like Vampire Weekend and Kings of Leon. In short, Rug is going places, and I count myself fortunate to have jumped on their bandwagon at such an early date in what promises to be a quick trip to the forefront of the collective indie-rock unconscious."

-Andrew Burgess
MusicOMH - Andrew Burgess

"Orlando's Rug...offers tuneful, guitar-based indie-rock that's pleasant, if not too adventurous"

-Jim Abbot, Orlando Sentinel, Soundboard Blog - blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment

In a review of the ANTI*POP Music Festival and it's performers, Orlando Weekly comments on Rug and their performance as,

"Sincere, foot-stomping jazzy pop."

-Justin Strout, Orlando Weekly - www.orlandoweekly.com/blog/music