Ann Beretta

It's almost impossible to talk about Ann Beretta without invoking the name of their Richmond, VA brethren, Avail. And for better or worse, the newest record from the band is not going to get people to say any different. The dozen tracks are simple, down and dirty punkers that recall another time when punk rock was about a work ethic and not scoring a coveted spot on a summer tour. Like Avail, and Rancid to name another band of a similar attitude, their songs are raw and unpolished tributes to the working class. Nowhere is that more evident than on "Nowhere Generation," which poses an interesting question about where our dot-com obsessed youth are headed and what motivates them. Provocative, and you can dance to it. I give it an eight, Chuck.