Music Review: The McCharmlys

The McCharmlys - the Santa Ana combo with the Eastside (L.A.) soul - are on the verge of an exciting new phase. The band builds a strong musical foundation for Angie Monroy to deliver her captivating vocals tinged with heartbreak and filled with hope. Their self-titled 2023 debut album is packed with concise and compact songs bristling with surging Merseybeat meets Thee Midniters energy. “Crying,” likely inspired by Roy Orbison, is moved along by a marching cadence on drums. Drummer Cole Maxwell seems to have time-tripped in from the ‘50s with his authentic looks and finesse on a minimalist drum kit. By the time of the chorus and background harmonies, the quintet has brought back the sounds and spirit of East LA’s Golden Age, the Ronettes, and the Beach Boys. The swooning verses of “Die” recall “Union City Blue” by Blondie, while the chorus bears an obvious nod to the Beatles’ “Do You Want to Know a Secret.” “Luv” dashes out of the speakers in fine fashion as the guitars ripple and ring with the reverb dialed high on their Vox amps. Further, they strike that sweeping Southwestern pop-rock sound previously explored by Buddy Holly and the Bobby Fuller Four. The album hits a straightaway with the uptempo “VHS” that races alongside the Shangri-Las before heading home to “Drown” out the sorrows. The slinky “Strange Honey” seems to take its cues from the old neon noir standards like “Jezebel” and “Temptation.” 2024’s “Always Be (My Baby)” is a dreamy triplets galore ballad that bears a resemblance to “Angel Baby” by Rosie and the Originals and is topped off by layered and lavish vocal harmonies.

The McCharmlys have recently tapped even deeper into the essential soul sounds that continue to endure in the always shifting Southern California air. These further explorations have yielded a sound that is even more ethereal and spacious - yet closer to the intangible source. A significant upgrade in their sonics can be heard in their summer 2024 recordings that took place in Riverside’s Penrose Studios and produced by Anthony Masino (of Thee Sacred Souls, the Emkays, the Charities). Their new 2025 single reflects their new sophisticated, yet edgy approach. “You’ll Be Fine” evokes the Zombies and the Remains as well as projecting a wide-screen forlorn quality of Del Shannon. The flip “Break My Heart” echoes those East Side Story compilation volumes with deep soulful vocals and rising harmonies that they also pull off in live performances! In addition, Angie's lead vocals channel Chrissie Hynde as they express conviction and perseverance. These recent recordings demonstrate their command of dynamics along with offering additional complexity and depth.

While embraced by the larger retro-soul movement (led by bands like the Altons, Thee Sinseers, and Thee Heart Tones) as well as the rockabilly, garage, and surf scenes, they have also ventured out bravely on their own with their distinctive sound and approach. Their present trajectory is similar to Southwestern regional bands like Sunny & the Sunliners that continue to be held in high regard to this day. If they continue their current direction as heard on the recent singles, their second album could be extraordinary. - Ted (Downtown)

The McCharmlys on Freegal

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