With a history that goes back to the mid-'90s, Ann Beretta is a melodic punk outfit based out of Richmond, Virginia, a city responsible for countless bands covered on this site through the years. Though they took some time away from playing together for a grip of years, the group got back together in the early '10s and spent 2021 writing and recording new material.
This week will mark the release of RISE, Ann Beretta's first studio album since 2003's Three Chord Revolution.
Recorded in Richmond at Audio Verité studios, produced by singer/guitarist Rob Huddleston, engineered and mixed by the band's guitarist Pedro Aida, and mastered by Mass Giorgini (Screeching Weasel, Common Rider, Squirtgun) at Sonic Iguana Studio in Lafayette, Indiana, the album features guest appearances from Thomas Barnett (Strike Anywhere) and Chris DeMakes (Less Than Jake).
It's not officially out til tomorrow (February 17th), No Echo is partnering with Ann Beretta (they're going the DIY route and releasing the record themselves) to bring you an early stream of RISE:
Ann Beretta vocalist/guitarist Robert Huddleston: told No Echo about the album's background:
“RISE represents the band returning with our first album of new material since 2003 but equally is a reference to the masses of people joining together to rise up and combat the mountain of social and political injustice that has surfaced in recent years. This injustice has always been present in our society but there’s hope in the fact that change is possible; and we are witnessing in real time.
"The album was written in response to the pandemic as well as the political, social, and economic tragedies that we are all continuing to face and live through. And while the topics and tone could be interpreted as dark there is an underlying theme of hope throughout every song.”
RISE is out tomorrow (February 17th) and is available for pre-order on Bandcamp.
In addition to RISE, fans of Ann Beretta should know that the band's full catalog is now available across all streaming services, including the addition of two previously unreleased live albums: Live from the Broadberry and Live from CBGB's.
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