As the world lurched back to life after Covid, Ruston’s old band had called it quits. Done with drumming and ready for a new start, he spotted an Instagram post from an acquaintance, Joe.

What began as a no-pressure songwriting session quickly became something more. Recording as the duo NRVS, they crafted the ‘Falling Knife’ EP with producer Gary Cioni, a raw document of two artists finding their voice.

As they graduated to playing live with a rotating cast of fill-ins, the songs for the ‘Matches’ EP solidified not just their sound—a potent blend of early Drive-Thru Records melody and modern Pure Noise heft—but their permanent lineup. Aaron (drums) and James (bass) became full-time members, and in recognition of this new, stronger unit, they renamed themselves Taken Alive.

The band immediately began work on their debut full-length, but in a quiet moment after recording, Ruston and Joe returned to their DIY roots.

With Ruston tracking vocals in his basement and Joe tracking guitars from his dorm room, they produced a B-side with zero expectations.

That song, however, resonated deeply, becoming their best-performing single to date—a testament to the powerful connection their music fosters.

On stage, Taken Alive is a study in contrasts: the songs grapple with heavy themes, but the energy is infectious and inclusive, punctuated by jokes at each other’s expense.

They are, in their own words, “a bunch of sad dudes who love music and making fun of themselves.” Ultimately, Taken Alive is built on the belief that music is a lifeline, and they’re determined to throw theirs out as far as it can go.