by Walter Smelt III

You know a band is strange when they mention being influenced by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, the late, great bluesman who sang “Constipation Blues” and carried a scepter topped with a skull. But the Alrighters, a local band who bring their punk version of 50s R&B to the Abbey Lounge on Feb. 2, have a few things in common with the old self-styled witch doctor.

For one thing, the retro sensibilities of these four young musicians are right in line with Hawkins, who made a name for himself in the 50s. The Alrighters’ decidedly old-fashioned line-up consists of singer Andrew Galante, drummer Matt Schlaikjer, upright bassist Zeke Wheeler and Kim Kendricken on saxophone. Together they belt out original tunes in the traditions of surf rock, jazzy old R&B and rockabilly—all with the energy and abandon of punk.

And like Hawkins, who used to be carried onstage by the Drifters in a coffin, the Alrighters’ frontman is as much spectacle as singer. Galante’s combination of girth and grace as he throws himself around the stage, and even hangs off it upside-down, also recall John Belushi’s musical performances as Blues Brother and King Bee. While Andrew has never (to my knowledge) dressed up as a bee, he did sing at a friend’s birthday bash with only his head and limbs protruding from a giant gift-wrapped box, and played a Christmas gig as Santa Claus.

His voice may be no match for Hawkins’ operatic set of pipes, but it makes up in passion what it lacks in range and training. After all, this is punk—among other things. But it’s punk that boogies, and if you make it to Saturday’s show, odds are you’ll find yourself boogying too. Go ahead and move those feet. It’s what Screamin’ Jay would have wanted.

The Alrighters, with the Maintainers, Hot Rod Fury and the Curses, Feb. 2nd at the Abbey Lounge, 3 Beacon St., Somerville, $8.