Between 1994 and 1998, Richmond, VA’s
AVAIL solidified their place in punk-rock history by releasing three
consecutive albums that would become almost instant classics of contemporary
hardcore music. The phenomenon that is Dixie,
4 A.M. Friday, and Over the James effectively
turned AVAIL into punk living legends and, as these records have
shown over the last decade, the accolade is entirely deserved. With
the reissue of these three albums that irrevocably changed the landscape
of melodic hardcore music, Jade Tree is paying their respects to what’s
already come to pass and still offering an entirely new perspective
on the music and the myth of AVAIL.
What some may not realize about AVAIL
is that, like most bands, they came from humble beginnings in suburban
Reston, VA. They were just like any other kids rocking in their
parents’ garage, but instead of ripping out covers or aping their
heroes, AVAIL were defining their unique sound at a very early
age. By the time Joe Banks (guitar), Tim Barry (vocals) and Beau
Beau (cheerleader / uber-roadie) moved the band to Richmond in 1990,
the group had already almost honed their effortless blend of the classic
Southern rock and protest folk that was in their veins with the melodic
skate punk that constantly filled their ears.
The backdrop of everyday life in Richmond,
though, proved to be the key ingredient in solidifying the band’s
immediately recognizable sound. Barry’s tales of everyday struggle
and triumph became inextricably tied to the life (and death) of his
hometown, at once creating blue-collar anthems that are often not just
highly personal, but also highly political. It’s this ability
to seamlessly streamline both sonic and lyrical content (along with
a relentless touring bug) that has truly made the songs of alienation,
travel and anti-establishment triumph spanning this trio of albums legendary.
Dixie (1994) is the rallying
cry of emotive powerchord balladry that truly put AVAIL on the
map. The album has now been beefed up by the addition of 11 bonus tracks
compiled from the Attempt to Regress 7” (1992) and the album
Live at the Kingshead Inn (1993). 4 A.M. Friday
(1996), meanwhile, is the record that solidified the band’s place
as the kings of the Southern punk underground. This reissue is now completed
by the addition of the smoldering set from Live in San Francisco
(1997). Recorded at the Bottom of the Hill, it’s testament to
the unforgettable, high-octane shows that are their hallmark. Finally,
Over the James (1998), presents a more mature take on songwriting,
Barry’s most personal lyrics to date and a thunderously pristine recording;
it’s the most ferocious and vital statement of their career.
The re-release is bolstered by bonus tracks including the Fall of
Richmond (1997) split with (Young) Pioneers and the band’s
covers of Elvis, Billy Joel and Embrace. All three albums have been
remastered and feature new artwork, over 100 photographs and flyers,
as well as new liner notes.