* En anglais uniquement
A gritty punk quintet from Richmond, VA,
Avail comprises vocalist
Tim Barry, guitarist
Joe Banks, bassist Gwomper, drummer Erik Larson, and "cheerleader" Beau Beau. Their distinct sound is based in the sincerity and aggression of punk, the power of classic rock, and an admiration of the nearby Washington, D.C., hardcore scene of the late '80s. The group originally released their debut, Satiate, on their own Catheter Assembly Records in 1992, but the album was re-released two years later by Lookout! Records, upon signing to the label. Their follow-up fan favorite,
Dixie, also appeared in 1994, and
Avail was quickly found to be developing a fiercely loyal fan base through the raw energy of their live show. While touring in support of 1996's
4AM Friday, they recorded the LP Live at the Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco, which was issued in early 1998, the same time as their next full-length,
Over the James. Signing to Fat Wreck, the guys released a six-song EP, 100 Times, in August 1999 that contained one new song and re-recordings of five old favorites. The band's recording scheduled continued unabated into the new millennium, with the release of their fifth full-length studio album,
One Wrench, in June 2000.
Avail continued to bring their brand of Southern-tinged melodic hardcore around the country, and issued
Front Porch Stories in November 2002. Jade Tree then re-released
Over the James,
4AM Friday, and
Dixie in April 2006 with bonus tracks, new artwork, and new pictures. A supporting tour followed with openers
the Draft and
Pink Razors. ~ Jason Ankeny