Formed in 2019 by four Baltimore transplants, POWERWASHER delivers a fresh take on post-punk and post-hardcore. Catchy math riffs weave seamlessly between sustained grooves, punctuated by energetic, noisy breakdowns. Jittery drums and pounding bass lock-in with jagged guitars and erratic vocal outbursts for a sound that teeters on the edge of being pulled apart under the strain of its own momentum. Their debut record comes out August 14th, and today we’re thrilled to give you the first listen of their new single “I Made A Painting”, a ripping three minutes of alternative, noisy amalgam of rock and post punk, maintaining a relentless momentum and a very certain catchiness. Check it out below and scroll down to see the band’s commentary on their plans, the George Floyd protests, as well as their special “Top Ten Power Washers” list :)
The Power of Positive Washing is Powerwasher’s debut release and will be released on August 14th via Sad Cactus Records.
Original artwork by Jean Yang, photo used with artist’s permission / album art by Powerwasher and Tim Brown. All songs written & performed by Powerwasher. Recorded & mixed at The Nest in Baltimore, MD. Mastered by Mat Leffler-Schulman at Mobtown Studios in Baltimore, MD.
Asked about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their work and touring plans, the band offered the following:
“We’re split between two cities, so we were really hoping to use this summer to tour in support of our album The Power of Positive Washing, and hang out together.
Not only did it ruin our plans to tour but we went into quarantine less than a week before we were supposed to start tracking our 2nd record. We’ve seen each other at a couple of socially-distant outdoor meet ups but still haven’t reconvened as a full band. Luckily we’re all safe and working on side projects now- our bassist and guitarist have made like 60+ beats together on discord. But we’re all anxious to start playing together again.
Obviously the real tragedy is the 100000+ people who have died, but it’s been really sad to see how COVID has devastated local scenes, 4 of the major DIY venues in Atlanta are closed for good, and everything in Baltimore is on hold for the foreseeable future.”
On the George Floyd protests
“It’s far past time to abolish the police and tear down the criminal justice system. We put out a side-project EP called Fuck12 that probably expresses how we feel about this better than we could in writing, but in short, we all agree that we need fundamental, structural change now. Our singer spent a few days in jail for peacefully protesting, which, considering the police brutality that’s been on full display, definitely could have been worse.”
Other artists and records worth your time
“Body Meat’s 2019 EP Truck Music is incredible at approaching pop from a math-y perspective.
Their first couple of releases draw from a lot of the same influences that POPW does. But they really pivot with this release to a more rnb, electronic sound that manages to be exciting and accessible while still drawing from their experimental roots.
Edgar Allen So is a Trap EP by Baltimore Rapper Soduh. It’s super consistent throughout, and sounds like a cross between a more polished Black Kray and a less poppy Key.
Heaven to a Tortured Mind by Yves Tumor is a great mix of psychedelic rock, soul, funk and britpop that blends together perfectly.
Different from their past albums but definitely worth checking out.
Another all-timer is the S/T LP from Chicago post-punk band The Hecks.
The angular guitar work really shines through on this album but what makes it worth repeated listens are the moody explorations of ambience and repetition.”
Top Ten Power Washers, by POWERWASHER:
1. Simpson Megashot MS61085 3400 PSI Power Washer w/ Kohler Engine
2. RYOBI 3000 PSI 2.3-GPM Honda Gas Power Washer
3. DeWalt 4400 PSI at 4.0 GPM Gas Power Washer Powered by Honda with AAA Triplex
Pump (California Compliant)
4. Westinghouse WPX3200 PSI 2.5 GPM Gas Powered Axial Cam Pump Power Washer w/ Quick Connect Tips
5. Ryobi RY142300 2300 PSI Brushless Electric Power Washer
6. Sun Joe 2030 MAX PSI 14.5-Amp Electric Power Washer
7. AR Annovi Reverberi AR390SS Power Washer
8. Stanley SHP2150 Electric Power Washer
9. Generac SPEEDWASH 3200 PSI Power Washer w/ Turbo Nozzle, Soap Blaster & Power Broom
10. Champion Power Equipment 4200-PSI 4.0 GPM Commercial Duty Low Profile Gas Power Washer
