After years of relentlessly touring to large and small crowds and building a name for themslves as the most vital underground band in rock today, Avail has recorded an album which conveys all the power of their endeavor. The fourteen songs on "Over The James" combine melody with power in a roughly polished sound. Fans of prior Avail records will notice the great consistency of this material. It's hard to pick a stand out track because almost every song roars at the listener while also compelling fans to think and feel, but songs like "New #2," Nickle Bridge, and Lombardy St. surely will kick your butt. "Over The James" marks a change in Avail's musical orientation, growing less interested in the confines of being a punk rock band, and more inclined to explore just being a hard rock band. The result may not sound any less punk to fans, but the freedom of the creation is evident. The songwriting has grown into a complex, highly personal form, without sacrificing the raw power of the earlier, simpler song structures. Avail feels that "Over The James" is the best record they have ever made. "Over The James" will definately be one of Lookout's biggest records for 1998, and hopefully, of all time.

1. Deep Wood
2. New #2
3. August
4. Fall Apart
5. Nickel Bridge
6. Scuffle Town
7. Sanctuary 13
8. S.R.O.
9. Mid-Town West
10. Lombardy St.
11. Vine
12. Cross Tie
13. Ask
14. Fifth Wheel
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