Dress Code - ALRIGHT
By Daffs aka @TwoDaff
After the release of the poignant ‘The Life of Nelly’ (FULL REVIEW HERE) back in February, Lancashire based ALRIGHT return on the 11th June with their latest single ‘Dress Code’. Having hit the music scene back in 2021 with their debut release ‘Lovers Game’ with ‘Rat Race’ as the B side. Since then, the lads have had a number of other releases such as ‘Tangerine Dream’ and the stomping ‘Everybody’s On it’ leading to recognition by the Pet Shop Boys across BBC Sounds and social media platforms.
They have featured on Official Blackpool FC videos and have been played weekly at the club’s stadium. Influences include The Verve, The Beatles, Cast, The Coral, the band consists of Joe Darnell, (Vocals), Matt Bunnage (Rhythm Guitar), Joe Platt (Lead Guitar), Brad Mills (Bass) and Liam Smith (Drums).
They sold out their local venue Bootleg Social, the third fastest act to do so behind Slow Readers Club and The Wombats, these achievements have landed the band a number of opportunities recently including a sell-out This Feeling headline show in Manchester and a Christmas gig at the iconic Blackpool Tower. ALRIGHT have also topped bills in Liverpool and Barrow on top of supporting some exciting upcoming bands such as The K's.
An instant bounce
There is an instant bounce with this song, from the start a driving bass and drum beat creates a base for guitars to stab a rhythm that kind of reminds of the intro to 'Start' by The Jam. It has that bouncy beat that continues throughout.
A social reflection
The vocal is powerful, with lyrics that are totally relatable, not strictly a fashion statement more of a social reflection, where everybody seems to be monotoned, following fashion, rules, regulations like the proverbial sheep. And it’s a true indictment, well for some anyway, there is no individuality anymore. Just look at the commercial music scene for example…its all the same.
The frustration of societal norms in the vocal
The beat really hooks you, big beats and grooving guitar hooks, along with the repetitive chants of Dress Code add a touch of angst, you can hear the frustration of societal norms in the vocal, yet its got wisps of humour in the lyrics making it a fun song with a deeper message. Moving away from the message within, its cleverly put together having an almost ska vibe fused with an indie undercurrent that blends well. It has pace and energy along with great melodic riffs. Guaranteed to have a live audience bouncing around like a beach ball on Blackpool beach.
An almost ska vibe fused with an indie undercurrent
It’s a sidestep in sound and feel from the lads, yet it works, it makes you want to listen, ensuring the message gets across. ALRIGHT have matured and honed their undoubted talent over the last few years, creating songs that carry a message, from the heartfelt and personal 'Life of Nelly' to this one, a variety of songs full of sentiment, full of angst, frustration, tales of life and death, but above all full of melodies, great lyrics delivered with self assurance and oozing confidence with an element of Northern swagger.
Oozing confidence with an element of Northern swagger
2023 could be a big year for the band, they have the creativity, they say it how it is and certainly do not conform to the norm. ALRIGHT really are more than just alright. Give em a go!
Find out more here
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