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Leading a legendary band has its ups and downs. For example, you have a built-in fanbase for any projects outside of said band. However, a potential problem can be the reaction to any material straying too far from what might be expected or realistically hoped for. That being said, Tim Barry, vocalist for hardcore staple Avail, has returned with his second full-length, Manchester.

Tim Barry is a perfect example of a singer/songwriter in their truest form. Reserved and shy off-stage, Barry's amazing lyrical style of intense detail and self-reflection is often overlooked by his thunderous presence onstage. That's why Manchester (and his prior solo effort, Rivanna Junction) make you really listen to what is being said. When boiled down, Barry is more than a songwriter -- he's a storyteller. He draws you into tales like "South Hill," an account of joining the military under false promises and what it leads to. Although he surrounds himself with an assortment of musicians and instruments like steel guitars and banjos, it is clear that Barry's soothing yet poignant vocals are the main emphasis of every song. For the hardcore Avail fan, Barry has tossed you a bone by including a reworked version of the band's track "This November." Also joining the re-recordings on Manchester is "Sagacity Gone," which many will remember from Barry's Laurel Street Demo back in 2005. A standout track then and favorite of many from his live show, the newly recorded version perfectly captures its anthemic nature while maintaining a very relaxed and straightforward tempo.

Barry also ventures in slower, almost ballad-like numbers, such as "Ronnie Song" and "Tacoma." Regardless, he manages to maintain his trademark delivery, which almost conflicts with the tone of the tracks, but in a way that is not only expected, but delivered expertly.

Manchester is a record that exposes Tim Barry as the artist he has grown to be by mixing influences of classical music, which was prevalent in his home as a youngster, to southern country and folk -- influences he has picked up living the past 15 years in Richmond, VA, the gateway to the south. Highly recommended.



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    Posted by epoch on 2009-03-16 09:52:24

    Also -- where did This November first appear? It's not on any of Avail's albums...

    Posted by epoch on 2009-03-16 09:09:16
    My Score:

    This is one of those rare albums that compel you to immediately listen to it again. This one won't be leaving the iphone for some time.

    Posted by SilentStorms on 2009-01-06 10:04:51

    Ahahahaha Beefheart, you said, "should be band" but you meant banned. You are stupid. Don't post anymore, as you are a bogun.

    Posted by beefheart on 2008-12-31 23:52:02

    i'm sorry "big guy" i thought this site was called punknews.org not gay teenie bopper music that 12yr old girls listen to.com. you apperently have no musical taste at all and should be band from even having an opinion about music forever you douchebag. so go back to you mommys basement and listen to o-town or s cub 7 & jack off to a poster of nsync . leave the reviewing to people who actually KNOW about music u mindless twat!

    Posted by beefheart on 2008-12-31 23:40:58
    My Score:

    now this is awsome! now all you little kids out there , this is indie rock at its finest . i liked the "neil young" sound throughout the album, or what i would deem "southern punk". thats the best way to describe the sound of this. an outstanding album by an outstanding artist.

    Posted by Big_Guy on 2008-12-22 19:33:53

    second most overrated act on punknews behind Gaslight.

    bring back Avail please

    Posted by MN_punkmaster-skaman on 2008-12-22 17:33:03
    My Score:

    Top 20 of the year if not 15.... still listening to everything all over again.

    Posted by olddogsneverdie on 2008-12-22 15:13:08
    My Score:

    excellent record. definately on my top 10 of the year

    Posted by LinoleumMagazine on 2008-12-22 11:43:22
    My Score:

    I love this fucking guy.

    Posted by Grade_ on 2008-12-22 10:27:49

    Yea Im going to the new years eve show. Trying to figure out what the attendance will be like for this.

    Posted by iamthebat on 2008-12-22 02:30:10
    My Score:

    I was indifferent towards this record at first, but after only like five listens It's grown on me a ton.

    It wasn't really what I was expecting for some reason, but this definitely takes a particular mood and style that was present on the first record and expands upon it and nails it.

    Love it.

    Posted by oskorei on 2008-12-21 15:01:07

    anyone else going to the Hot Water, Tim Barry, Bastard Suns show in Atlanta on New Years?

    Posted by dirtydacoitdan on 2008-12-21 14:27:29

    Nice review! I wasn't too impressed on the first listen, but it has grown on me.

    Posted by mpc on 2008-12-21 11:24:18
    My Score:

    This is a great record, but I prefer Rivanna Junction. However, it's great to hear a studio version of This November. Also CRF (Retired), Tacoma, South Hill, and the redone Sagacity Gone are my personal favorites.

    I really hope the Tim Barry / Josh Small / Austin Lucas tour hits my area.

    Posted by oskorei on 2008-12-21 04:03:53
    My Score:

    From the upbeat southern as hell opening number Texas Cops you know right away that you are in for a treat. Every song on this album tells an amazing story and pulls you so far into the song that you feel like you are almost there live. C.R.F. (Retired) is by far one of my favorite songs on the album. Keep it up Tim!! See you in Atlanta, New Years Eve!!!

    Posted by canaandrumzz on 2008-12-20 23:01:42
    My Score:

    Dammit. I wanted my review to be posted of this. Ah well, still a great great album.

    Posted by mattramone on 2008-12-20 22:10:32
    My Score:

    One of the single best albums of the year. "Sagacity Gone" has been one of my anthems of 2008.

    Posted by hubitcherkokov on 2008-12-20 18:13:44
    My Score:

    I like seeing Tim Barry live, but his recorded output is boring.

    Posted by cuapunkradio on 2008-12-20 17:50:08
    My Score:

    some really great tracks on here, and a few skippers. Tacoma, Ronnie song, and the final track are some powerfull tunes

    Posted by Descendentmark on 2008-12-20 17:14:24

    There is a Hell of a lot of feeling in this record. I'm really looking forward to seeing Tim on tour in the coming months.

    Posted by HooverStreet on 2008-12-20 16:18:44

    This is a good CD but Rivanna Junction is better.

    Posted by sweetsugarpezz on 2008-12-20 11:57:50
    My Score:

    to put it simply, tim barry rules.

    heres to another avail record as well!

    Posted by telegraphrocks on 2008-12-20 11:51:12
    My Score:

    My first listen I thought this wasn't as good as Rivanna Junction at all, but after a few more times I totally fell in love with it.

    Right on par with his last. I love this man.

    Posted by DarthNader on 2008-12-20 11:44:53

    hardcore staple

    staplers with tats

    Posted by SilentStorms on 2008-12-20 10:23:26
    My Score:

    I heard two tracks from a comp and it was way too country-folkish for my tastes.

    Posted by eazyd2 on 2008-12-20 09:40:06

    needs more kanye

    Posted by aarontoben on 2008-12-20 01:27:54
    My Score:

    that laurel st. demo was 2005. not 1995.

    Posted by bryne on 2008-12-19 23:26:35
    My Score:

    This record is way, way better than Rivanna Junction, which ruled.

    Posted by bluexmaslights on 2008-12-19 21:46:08

    i've been thinking about getting this, glad to see it got a good score!

    Posted by mikexdude on 2008-12-19 20:14:58
    My Score:

    Yes.