The Kellys hit the stage, studio

By Guy D’Astolfo

Recording continues on the band’s next release.

The Kellys have kept a low profile of late, but that’s about to change.

The power-pop quartet will play at several large outdoor events this summer, including a Party on the Plaza, Vexfest and the ruKus Festival. They were on the bill at last Saturday’s Furthermind Festival at B O Station, although an early evening thunderstorm kept the big crowds from materializing there. Their next gig is Mojo’s in Austintown on Friday.

And did we mention lead singer Kelly McCracken will sing the National Anthem at tonight’s Scrappers game at Eastwood Stadium?

While the band hasn’t played out much the first half of the year, it has been keeping busy with new material: writing it, perfecting it and recording it.

In fact, The Kellys — McCracken, bassist Moe Angelo, guitarist Joel DeGenova and drummer Matt Holko — have already laid down five tracks at Mind Rocket Studios in Sharon, Pa., for their next album, to be called “Opus.”

Plans call for a late fall release, possibly packaged with a DVD of live performances, said McCracken in an interview this week. Two crowd-pleasers from earlier CDs — “Wake Up” and “Happy Hour” — are being revamped for the new record. “They always get a strong reaction when we play them,” she said.

But the recording process is slow-going when you have to work it around day-job schedules. It’s a situation that may force the high-gloss rockers into a commitment decision. To reach the next level, the band has to become a full-time pursuit, and the members are inclined to do it.

“We’ll put on a push after the new album is out,” said Angelo, with a tour that will hit major cities in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Angelo also wants to devote more attention to growing his online radio station, rukusradio.net.

As for the new material on “Opus,” both Angelo and McCracken agree their sound has evolved. It’s still upbeat and sticks in your head, but with a more solemn edge.

“It’s like you’re yelling at me, but in a nice tone,” is how McCracken described one tune.

Another new song has a creepy vibe that you wouldn’t normally expect out of The Kellys.

“We’re also getting away from the typical song structure,” said McCracken. “There’s less verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus-out.”

The new songs usually originate from guitarist DeGenova, then get fleshed out by Angelo. The finishing touch is McCracken’s lyrics. “After listening to it, I try to get real deep on what I’m feeling at the moment, or however the chords make me feel,” she said of her writing process.

“Opus” will be The Kellys’ third full-length release, but McCracken and Angelo don’t get all giddy at talk of a record contract. They’ve been bitten in the past by deals that came so close, only to fall through. A recent near-miss with major label Def Jam still leaves a bad taste in their mouth.

“It’s been the story of The Kellys’ career,” said Angelo. “Good things happen, there’s label interest, then nothing happens.”

But if The Kellys are even a little discouraged, it doesn't show.

In fact, the band's mood seems closer to pure, unadulterated optimism as “Opus” nears completion.

McCracken lit up as she described a proposed marketing campaign for the recording. Steeped in ’80s kitsch, it would utilize comic books, color-forms ... even slap bracelets.