Review by JD on August 7, 2011.

Confused... as I sit here to write a review for The Sunwashed Avenues, that is where I am at. This is a band that defies all logic... and that is not in a good way. I have just finished the album for the 5th time and I am as confused as a Amish man who has found himself at a Gwar concert.

Stapling together so many influences can cause a lack of focus and this band has indisputably no focus. Songs runs the gambit from a sort of Death Metal attack... to old school Punk that just plods along aimlessly, these guys bring every influence to bear and yet never does very much with it. I have to admit that I really get stoked when a band can do a whole variety of different styles, but not when it seems so muddled together. The Sunwashed Avenues seem not to be on the same page.

The musicianship is very impressive, as is the production and packaging, but that never hides the fact that this band is all over the place, to the point that they probably have no clue to what they are doing. Artistic and vision aside, all great art needs something that binds it all together into one - and there is nothing that is making this band into what the potential of the talent they have.

Some might find something in the album they like, but confusion and the fact that there is no true direction to see - even that might be short lived. As much talent that The Sunwashed Avenues have, doubt if it could save the album. My advice is to skip the album, and hope that when the next album is released, they all play as one.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 5
Production: 8
Originality: 5 (confusion is not original)
Overall: 6.5

Rating: 6.5 out of 10