AMG Review of One Wrench

Mike DaRonco
All Music Guide

It's a fact that it's all downhill for a band after the release of their third album. The Bouncing Souls should have ended it while at the highlight of their first Epitaph release; instead, the masses were fed the filler album Hopeless Romantic. Screeching Weasel should have stayed broken up after How to Make Enemies and Irritate People, but Ben Weasel needed to make his house payments. Avail, however, manage to prove this theory wrong with their fifth album One Wrench.

There have been many of changes for Avail since their previous album Over the James; a label and rhythm section change to be exact. But the energy has been revamped as this veteran five piece continue their blaze of explosive, sing-along punk. Particularly on tracks like "Fast One," "Taken," "n30," and "Heron," the tight, pounding riffage and in-your-face vocals remain as Avail proves that they still have it after all these years. If only other bands could learn not to be cynical and uncaring in their old age.