Music Review: The Alrights - High School

When Manhattan’s City Canyon Records signed The Alrights they must have known they were underestimating themselves with their name. This band of three has the sound of ten with intense hip-hop harmonies and visceral rhythmic acoustics.

The Alrights debut album High School is a cadent collection of tunes that dips deep into the soul circuit. Frontman, Toby Churchill is not only the songwriter and blues-belter but guitar and piano player, as well. Danny Cosgrove on bass adds emotion and a funk-infused feel while drummer, Chad “Chavo” Amborn puts his heart and soulful soul into each beat.

Unfortunately, the opening track “Call Her Name” leaves a false impression of what’s to come. A promising hip-hop/soul band they are, but when The Alrights try to penetrate the rock arena, here is where they falter. Thankfully, they turn it all around with the sharp lyrics and hooky tune of “Heaven Sends Her Regards” – and they show no signs of letting up thereafter.

“If It Is a Dream” definitely shines with Beach Boys promise. Its surfy sound and sweet strings feel like a summer day should – transporting us back to campfires at the beach. “Young Man’s Blues” and “Almost Never Always” are bluesy funk-fests reminiscent of The Fabulous Thunderbirds or quite possibly Jimi Hendrix at times. You don’t so much hear these tunes as you do feel them right down to your bones.

Singing the blues may be nothing new to the ear, yet The Alrights reinvent the feel with the lyrics and librettos they bring to the studio. Churchill’s showmanship in songwriting coupled with fluid harmonies make The Alrights way more than just alright.

Article Author: Joanne Schenker

Joanne Schenker lives in New York and is a music columnist for www.Glidemagazine.com and AOL Music (www.spinner.com) She can be reached at jogirl621@aol.com.

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