by Ian MacPhee (@i_macphee)
The music of Powerwasher is snarling, frantic, and uncontainable. Hailing from Baltimore and Atlanta, the band’s debut album The Power of Positive Washing is anxiety-inducing in the best way possible. The songs ooze style and melody, and the band’s use of odd time signatures and neck-jerking transitions keeps you on your toes. The group sounds like a sonic amalgamation of The Minutemen, Television, and Ought, yet more aggressive than all three. Out August 14th on Sad Cactus Records, Powerwasher’s The Power of Positive Washing is an album to blast over and over again.
The album’s lead single “I Made a Painting” is a force of nature, and showcases the groups unique blend of tight rhythm and erratic guitar playing. “ How you feeling about the general concept of eternal recurrence?” the singer cries, who’s abrasive vocals perfectly counter the group’s more melodic sound. The song’s manic, gloriously dissonant outro feels like it’s about to burst, and is an excellent example of the band’s style.
Powerwasher’s The Power of Positive Washing is an exciting debut from a band that deserves your attention. Despite their newness, the group’s music is confident and unapologetic. The Power of Positive Washing is the kind of album that leaves you needing more, and Powerwasher is a promising band with amazing potential.