Emerging from the vibrant music scene of Portland, Maine, As Fast As carved out a brief but memorable chapter in the 2000s alternative rock landscape with their energetic power pop sound. Originally formed under the name Rocktopus in 2001, the band underwent a significant transformation, rebranding themselves and achieving national recognition with a major label debut before ultimately pursuing an independent path.

The band's core lineup solidified around the talents of vocalist and keyboardist Spencer Albee, a veteran of the acclaimed Maine band Rustic Overtones, bassist Haché Horchatta, guitarist Zach Jones, and drummer Andrew Hodgkins. After releasing two albums as Rocktopus, the group changed its name to As Fast As and soon caught the attention of Octone Records. Their debut under the new moniker, "Open Letter to the Damned," arrived in May 2006 and served as their primary claim to fame. The album's lead single, "Florida Sunshine," found a wider audience through its placement on the popular television series CSI: Miami, as well as in promotional spots for the show, significantly boosting the band's profile.

Despite this early success, As Fast As parted ways with Octone Records shortly after the album's release, citing a difference in creative vision. Embracing their independent spirit, the band returned in March 2008 with "Destroy the Plastique Man," which they released on their own terms. However, activity slowed considerably later that year, and the band effectively stopped performing by August 2008 as Spencer Albee focused on his new project, Spencer and the School Spirit Mafia. The hiatus proved to be temporary, as As Fast As reunited for a special one-off concert in Portland in July 2009. Capitalizing on this renewed energy, they independently released a new album, "AFA For Effort," on June 23 of that year, demonstrating their enduring creative partnership and commitment to their distinctive rock sound.