Three Chord Revolution

Ann Beretta: Rob (vocals, guitar); Donovan (bass); Russ (drums).
Additional personnel: Joe Banks (guitar); Derek Upchurch (piano, organ); Mark Miley (percussion).
Recorded at Glass Hand Studio, Richmond, Virginia.
With Three Chord Revolution, Richmond, VA's own Ann Beretta may not live up to the promise of their fourth album's title, but the trio has concocted a fine, modern-day punk rock album just the same. Borrowing from influences like Rancid, Jawbreaker, and the Clash, the band gives fans of those icons little chance to turn away as the first critical seconds of "Not Invited" command one's attention with an upbeat, urgent force. The heartfelt power of "New Revolution" and "Built to Last" sustain that momentum, although frontman Rob Huddleston's commitment to a positive outlook on the aforementioned and heartbreak on tunes like "Lipstick & Make Up" and "Lost in You" has taken over where AB's earlier records often chronicled angst. Even on "Angry All the Time," Huddleston barely sounds miffed, making one wonder if he's just taking the piss. But even if the world has gotten a little brighter for the Ann Beretta mouthpiece, the band's music rarely sags as it unloads a dozen sonic shots that -- while hardly revolutionary -- are rock-solid and enjoyable. ~ John D. Luerssen