The Strypes

The Strypes burst onto the music scene in 2013, all sharp suits and sunglasses, touting their very own brand of blues rock. With the youngest member of the band aged just 15 at the time, they took music fans by surprise with just how skilled they were. Not only did they release their debut album that year, but they also went on to support the Arctic Monkeys on the European leg of their tour. They were very quickly and very suddenly thrown into huge arenas, and despite their baby faces, they held their own and won themselves a strong fan base. 

Now they're back with that 'tricky' second album, 'Little Victories'. But it doesn't sound difficult at all; in fact, it bursts with confidence and maturity beyond their teenage years. Their cockiness has grown ever greater and they are all the better for it. Taking inspiration from the likes of the Arctic Monkeys, Miles Kane and Jake Bugg, the songs are big and confident. 'I Need To Be Your Only' has a real driving guitar, reminiscent of Wolfmother's 'Woman', and in truth should've been the album opener. 'A Good Night's Sleep & Cab Fare Home' is fun and cheeky, a good example of the band not taking themselves seriously.

The two real stand-out tracks on the album are '(I Wanna Be Your) Everyday' and 'Cruel Brunette'. The former shows them channelling Alex Turner; it's a mature love song that adds real depth and emotion to the album. 'Cruel Brunette' is certain to become a crowd favourite, with its fast-paced and very British-sounding 60s rock feel. 'Status Update' is another highlight, with a powerful harmonica and driving guitar solos; it perfectly embodies the band's take on blues rock.

Continue reading: The Strypes - Little Victories Album Review

If there's something to take away from this year's Isle of Wight Festival, it's probably sunburn. Unlike the mud bath of two years ago, 2014 will be remembered for serving up one of the hottest weekends I can remember for a festival, along with some crowd-pleasing performances. While not every act managed to capture their moment in the sun, all the major names delivered in spades.

But it wasn't just the music that made the weekend for many; a real sense of celebration seemed to erupt across the site. Partly fuelled by anticipation over the World Cup and partly because of the good weather, thousands of smiling faces could be seen everywhere. Sunflowers seemed to be an essential festival accessory and many opted for as few clothes as possible with t-shirts looking like they'd gone out of fashion altogether. I've even had to make a note in my diary that it's international flip-flop day on June 20th, just one of the many things I learnt around Seaclose Park this year.

The highlight of Friday afternoon should have really been local boy Tom Odell on the main stage. But his piano led ballads took some time to win the crowd over despite his number 1 album 'Long Way Down'. By the time he'd finished though, the reaction showed that he'd justified his place on the main stage billing.

Continue reading: Isle of Wight Festival 2014 Review

Every now and again, one comes across a band with the ability to reach far beyond their musical horizons; an ability that allows them to shock, without actually doing something that's never been done before. The Strypes are a young Irish band eager to separate themselves from the array of generic indie/rock outfits filling up the alternative charts and aim to re-create that classic rock 'n' roll sound that united teenagers in the 60s.

'Hard To Say No' is the new single from their upcoming EP '4 Track Mind' and, if it's the first thing you ever hear of The Strypes, you'll no doubt assume it was composed by a group of men with immense musical experience - but amazingly, these guys range from just 16 to 18 years old (which makes their Willie Dixon cover of 'You Can't Judge a Book by the Cover' very appropriate indeed).

'Hard To Say No' has all the raw texture and whimsy of any 60s hit, with singer Ross Farrelly growling out something about finding it "So hard to say no to a girl." against the driving basslines and fever-rousing drum beat. The most mind-blowing, round-of-applause moment though is the mid-song guitar solo courtesy of Josh McClorey. It's liberating to see a guitar utilised in such a daring manner these days - they're not just playing the instruments, they're making them come alive with classic  riffs. Kudos to The Strypes for their rip-roaring attempt, even if they still have a long way to go before they reach rock God status like some of their obvious influences.

Continue reading: The Strypes - Hard To Say No Single Review