Chuck Andrews, formerly of Cleveland-based Americana band Qwasi Qwa, relocated to South Florida in 2004. Though the original plan was to perform his songs by himself, he soon met up with Chris Cartrett, formerly of Doorway27, and both decided to join forces as The Guns. By late 2007, the band was already opening for international acts such as the Black Crowes, and recording their first album Sand Fastened. Around the same time, they changed their name to Fire Zuave.