The Strypes at Shepherd’s Bush Empire

On the third stop of their first UK headlining tour, it’s impossible to imagine the dynamic amalgamation of genres, high energy and clean-cut style this four-piece rhythm, blues and rock n roll band bring to the stage, but The Strypes are in a class of their own – and they’re all still in their teens.

Featuring Ross Farrelly on lead vocals and harmonica, Josh McClorey on lead guitar and vocals, Pete O’Hanlon on bass guitar and harmonica and Evan Walsh on drums, the ensemble are effervescent and alluring, creating the most absorbing rhythms, encompassing sounds and influences from legends and eras that far precede them.

Opening with What a Shame from their debut album Snapshot, the bright strobe spotlights and dizzying effects are superfluous embellishments for a musical performance that could stand alone. From the moment the instrumentals kick off with McClorey’s fierce guitar riffs and Farrelly’s seductive vocals, the group command the attention of the audience.

Tracks like Lucky Seven and Got Love If You Want It truly showcase the talents of the group, with Farrelly incorporating the harmonica into their second number. His execution is flawless, adding an exciting element of jazz to an otherwise more common sounding rock n roll piece.  O’Hanlon too mixes it up, swapping the bass for the harmonica in the latter, head-banging along to the melody with so much spirit that you can’t help but share his enthusiasm.

With the release of their latest EP Four Track Mind earlier this week, the set list features many of their popular singles like Blue Collar Jane and Hometown Girl as well as new material including Hard to Say No and Still Gonna Drive You Home.  

While their charisma is catching and their sound unique, their only downfall is some specific tunes they choose to cover.  Although their renditions are unparalleled and often more lively than the originals, I’m a Hog for You Baby and Rockaway Beach are less than provocative and fail to highlight their abilities.

But as the crowd bellow the lyrics of You Can’t Judge a Book By the Cover, The Strypes return to the stage to play a four-track encore that has fans dancing and clapping along to the beat. Truly great things are expected of these gifted young musicians.

Natasha Fonseka

For further information and future events visit The Strypes’ website here.

Watch the video for You Can’t Judge a Book by the Cover here: