Rivanna Junction

They Say...

Review by Corey Apar, All Music Guide

One of the things that's so appealing about Tim Barry is the rough honesty of his words. Whether it's via the hardcore aggression of his main act Avail or now through his folk-inspired solo fair, Barry makes no apologies for himself and the way he lives his life "riding fast and living slow." Rivanna Junction, his first official full-length, is a testament to Barry and his working-class existence, directly influenced by his home in Richmond and time spent on the banks of the James River. Even when singing over these largely acoustic based, Southern-tinged folk songs, Barry's sandpapered delivery is no less gripping and powerful, sometimes even more so than his past work, as his oft-bruised yet resilient words are laid bare on top of simple arrangements. Not everything is just over six strings, however, Barry's circle of friends (which include his classically trained siblings Caitlin and Josh) provide a diversity of musical accompaniment (violin, harmonica, piano, etc) to add extra sonic meat where necessary. From country-flavored romps to stripped down confessions, heartache to frustration to contentment, he says exactly what's on his mind -- unfiltered, unpolished and simply uncaring about how he might come across. There is no sugarcoating here or justifying inherent contradictions -- the stark "Avoiding Catatonic Surrender" proclaims "I hate Republicans, I hate Democrats, I hate Liberals too/ I think pacifists are weak and violence is wrong but I go limp for police and I fight when it's called for" -- since well, who said life was perfect? And it's not that his brashness is a result of trying to get a rise out of people; it's just the easiest way to the heart of the matter. Barry may sound more like a tough drinker than an old blues singer, but he still sings from his soul and with all that he has, a tender and vulnerable side shining through his hardened exterior. Highly enjoyable and rewarding, Rivanna Junction isn't without its imperfections; but that's part of its charm and something says Barry wouldn't have it any other way.