On April 14, The Right Now packed The Hideout with friends, family and fans all eager to celebrate their latest album, “Starlight.” The fact that the beloved Chicago venue perpetually displays twinkling lights strung across its ceiling further added a celestial quality to the already stellar occasion.
“Starlight” – the group’s third album, which dropped on Feb. 24 – builds on The Right Now’s Soul and R&B roots with the added fun of infectious pop melodies and dance-provoking rhythms. Case in point, take one listen to the Disco-inspired “Up All Night,” which the band chose as the opening number at their record release show. Anyone who came to the concert without intentions of dancing quickly learned that resistance was futile, as the punchy horns of Caleb Mitchell and Jim Schram had fans moving while accentuating the tune’s swing-like beats.
“It feels so so good to be here with you tonight,” said frontwoman Stefanie Berecz after belting out the throwback, memory-laden song, “He Used To Be.” Throughout the night, the seven-piece band operated like a well-oiled machine, but it was Berecz who captured the spotlight at every turn. Her powerful voice expressed emotion with unimaginable ease, 
especially considering her dynamic range. Her magnetic stage presence amplified the show, while also making fans comfortable enough to dance like nobody’s looking amid the sold-out crowd.
“It’s been a long time – five years – since we’ve had something new for all of our fans, so it’s kind of neat to have something finished and deliverable for them,” Berecz told Rebellious Magazine in an interview prior to “Starlight”‘s release. “I’m excited for them to hear a bit of a newer sound that’s full of R&B and Electronic elements while still keeping true to what’s been familiar to all of us over the years, which is Heavy Soul. I’m excited just to have something to bring to everyone!”
The Right Now peppered songs from their entire discography throughout the set, but the fresh, playful “Starlight” tracks especially connected with fans. “Love You Better” had everybody moving, and the slow-burning title track “Starlight” provided the perfect opportunity to get lost in Chris Corsale’s intricate guitar riffs and Brendan O’Connell’s cascading keys.
The one and only Sam Trump warmed things up with a set full of sultry love songs and funky grooves earlier in the night. The vocalist/trumpeter – accompanied by his outstanding band – performed a number of original tracks off his latest EP, “Love Notes,” before closing things out with the blistering funk tune, “Get On Up.” DJ Buscrates was also on-hand at The Hideout to spin horn-heavy grooves between each set.
The Right Now’s record release show was a true celebration in every sense of the word. The event not only marked the many accomplishments of “Starlight,” but it also allowed fans to applaud and enjoy the music of one of Chicago’s best live bands at one of the best venues in the city. For more information on The Right Now – and to pick-up a copy of “Starlight” – head over to www.TheRightNow.com.
