When she was a child and knocked her tooth out while racing around a pole, Kristen Allen-Zito couldn t know the resulting gap would add to the funky look of her rock band. Yet the missing tooth is just one more of the quirky yet loveable features that define The Trucks. These four women from Washington State have definite attitudes and a fun, never-stop-the-party sound.

They re a bit naughty (best not to blare Titties when mom stops over), a little silly (wearing everything from cheerleaders uniforms to total punk) and easy to like musically and personally. But don t mistake them for some light-weight latter day Go-Go s. These are serious musicians who have rocking music and serious stage presence that will undoubtedly launch them into the big-time. That was obvious on a recent, rain-soaked evening when The Trucks played a college-bar show in Richmond, Va.

Within minutes of taking the makeshift stage the patrons, many of whom were nursing beers and chatting in small groups, were spellbound. Though the audience numbered less than 40, The Trucks sang, played and entertained as if they were in front of an arena crowd. Allen-Zito (keyboards, vocals) and Marissa Moore (xylophone, vocals) took time from their instruments to dance around the audience as they sang with more gusto than cheerleaders working a close-scoring Super Bowl game.

Band mates Faith Reichel (bass, vocals) and Lindy McIntyre (drums) anchored the music with a mesmerizing beat as they, too, worked the crowd with asides and seemingly boundless energy. Soon after the Richmond show, The Trucks discussed their music, show, and next steps. Your self-titled album, released last year, is amazing. How has your music changed since you recorded it? Reichel It s always changing .[In the past some] called our music nursery punk.