Rise. Ann Beretta

Rise is the kind of album that starts by pushing the pedal to the metal and only finds the brake when the last note fades in the distance. If the fading does not indicate Rise kept driving, far past the range of the studio mikes, that is.

Ann Beretta caught the energy an American rock band can produce working on the brink of 80s rock, alternative rock and the melodic side of punk rock. Rise holds exactly that and all extremely pleasant to listen to at that. The listener can opt to sing along or listen intently to the way the band presents its rock songs. This band can not only play but also arrange the individual instruments in such a way that there is something to enjoy for the fan of each instrument.

First, Ann Beretta itself. The band debuted on this blog with single 'Better Medicine' recently in the weekly singles section. The band formed in Richmond, Virginia in 1995 and released records until 2003 when the band called it quits. As blood is thicker than water, it reformed and recorded a total DIY album. If anything, Rise rocks as if this is a band presenting itself to the world for the first time. Rise holds so much enthusiasm, it's nearly inconceivable I'm listening to a band of veterans. In a way Ann Beretta does present itself to the world for the first time. Many were not around in round 1 or totally unaware, like me.

Promo photo

Why do I like Rise? That starts with the enormous energetic drumming of Russ Jones. He appears to be willing to move mountains to get the band's music across. His drive is so powerful and full of great accents and breaks, giving the songs so much extra. His style does remind me of the dry drum parts 90s bands like Therapy? had as part of its sound, but Jones' style is far warmer. The clear way his parts are mix into the middle of the sound shows the appreciation of his band mates for his work. The wall of sound the other four produce is huge but never without an idea. The bass, Donovan Greer or Rob Huddleston, plays fabulous runs. Green Day's Mike Dirnt comes to mind here alright and not just the bass parts. The guitars do all else. And the vocals? Tough enough but always singing along remains an option. Together all the parts for great songs and they are.

Because of 'Better Medicine', the single I wrote of just now, I found myself singing a long forgotten Bon Jovi single, 'Bad Medicine'. It's a good question which song I like better. Hint, I never really was a Bon Jovi fan. A few nice singles apart, I always found them more posers than rockers. With Rise Ann Beretta in my opinion offers the real thing, 100%. Nuff said, I'd say.

Wout de Natris