Strypes - Strypes

by Melanie Smith

published: 23 / 2 / 2014

Melanie Smith photographs rising Irish rock/blues outfit the Strypes at the Academy in Manchester

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Four-piece Irish rhythm and blues band the Strypes swept into Manchester Academy with a tremendous bang on the 21st February as part of their first UK headline tour. They are certainly one of the most exciting young rocking bands I have witnessed for a long while, and judging by their performance this evening they are going for the big time. Prince was playing next door, and they still managed to sell out tonight's show. Last summer they played Manchester Castlefield Bowl supporting indie band the Courteeners, Miles Kane and Reverend and the Makers. Blondie who were on tour at the time, spent their night off watching them, and they are being feted by many other big names, such as Paul Weller, Elton John and Jeff Beck. They formed in 2008 in Cavan, Ireland, and remarkably they are all still only teenagers. Their debut album 'Snapshot' reached number 4 in the UK charts, and several months ago they were supporting the Arctic Monkeys on arena tours around Europe. The Strypes are Ross Farrelly (lead vocals/harmonica), Josh McClorey (lead guitar/vocals), Pete O’Hanlon (bass guitar/harmonica) and Evan Walsh (drums).