KIDS IN THE HALL. The Finesse: Wes Brunner, Ryan Wilson and the Alowairdi brothers Rani and Raji –  all Chippewa Falls High School alumni.

The Finesse’s rock-rooted funk ‘n’ roll mojo is hooky, well constructed and fit for weekend dancing. The lineup features four charming and good lookin’ gentlemen in their twenties – Wes Brunner, Ryan Wilson and the Alowairdi brothers Rani and Raji, all Chippewa Falls High School alumni. Coming out later this month, the group’s ambitious first release is a six-song EP titled “Songs in the Key of ‘G’”, though those knowledgeable of Chi-Hi bynames may suspect the title suggests more than a major scale.

    The EP is dedicated to the late Chippewa Falls High School band director Douglas Greenhalgh, known by many as simply “G”. The music man died in a bus accident in October 2005 as the school’s marching band returned from a state competition in Whitewater, WI. Wes, Ryan, Rani and Raji all knew “G” to be a phenomenal mentor and a great influence on them musically and, by extension, personally.

    “He was a great teacher and he always brought out the best in us, but it was his personality that was great. He was someone you could always talk to,” said Wes. The song “Golden Wing” is dedicated to him. The album is lined with images featuring Chi-Hi locations, and the song “The Next Chapter” features the Chi-Hi’s Concert Choir singing special guest vocals. “Every inch of it screams out ‘G’,” said Wes.

    Through a mutual friend, Wes and Rani met Irie Sol instrumentalist Angelo Williamson, who recorded and mixed the band’s EP at the Minneapolis Media Institute in Edina, MN earlier this year. To celebrate the CD’s release, the band will showcase their songs July 31st at the House of Rock in Eau Claire. “Songs in the Key of ‘G’” will be available for $5.

    Going forward, the band is looking into management opportunities, shooting a music video, and producing a making-of DVD, not to mention three total weddings among the band members this year.

    Maybe they’re a little too charming.

The Finesse CD Release Show (with One Machine + Letters From Earth) • July 31 • 9:30pm • FREE • 21+ • www.facebook.com/thefinesse