Avail — Reaching Out

Avail's other demo from before they moved to Richmond. More cool upbeat tunes from back when they were all young, and Tim Barry on drums. Apparently there was a thriving little scene in Reston in the late 80s, although Avail is the only one that made it out of there. Anyway, to a lot of people this is where Avail first became known, and is actually a favorite album. I can see why; it isn't exactly the Avail that was touring the country a few years later, but it's still an incredibly innovative band, doing things no one else ever did. Now, this was only released on tape, and the rip is a little grainy, but that's sort of the point of a good demo, isn't it? These are some killer tunes, catchy without being poppy. Also, considering the date, this was right at the forefront of post-hardcore. Not to rave too much, but this is one hell of a band.

Avail — Reaching Out Demo 1989

Track Listing:

1. Blue Smokes
2. Self Inflicted
3. Regulation '89
4. Take The Time
5. Keeping Up
6. No Fixed Address
7. Done Lost
8. Shine
9. Back To The Start
10. Look At Me
11. Observations

Excerpted from Jade Tree Records: "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… legendary."

http://www.myspace.com/availrva
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avail