We caught The Strypes show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg, part of their mini-tour of the US this week in support of their “4 Track Mind” EP.  It was a relentless onslaught of talent from start to finish.  It’s hard to believe that all 4 members of the band, hailing from Cavan, Ireland, are still in their teens.  The band got their start by playing in pubs around Ireland, where to get people’s attention, they learned to play loud, fast, good old fashioned rhythm and blues.  Their influences include The Yardbirds, Bo Diddley, The Rolling Stones, and Dr. Feelgood.

The band proved that they were total masters of their instruments – Ross Farrelly (16) on harmonica & lead vocals; Josh McClorey (18) on lead guitar; Peter O’Hanlon (18) on bass; and Evan Walsh (17) on drums.  As if that wasn’t enough, near the end of their set, everyone just switched instruments – Farrelly on guitar; McClorey on bass; and O’Hanlon on harmonica.  O’Hanlon had an impressive harmonica solo that had everyone in awe.   All their time spent winning over crowds has certainly paid off.  The crowd was one of the most animated we’ve ever seen, and the band had everyone jumping and dancing along from start to finish.

We can’t say enough good things about The Strypes, and neither can Rolling Stone.  If you ever have a chance to see them live, GO!   They are incredibly gifted young performers, and if they are this good now they can only get better.

Watch their performance of “Still Gonna Drive You Home” from the “4 Track Mind” EP, out on iTunes now!

The Strypes Setlist 8/23/14

1. Mystery Man

2. So They Say

3. Brand New Cadillac  (Vince Taylor cover)

4. She’s So Fine

5. What the People Don’t See

6. I Don’t Want to Know

7. I Can Tell (Bo Diddley cover)

8. Smokestack Lightning  (Howlin’ Wolf cover)

9. Angel Eyes

10. Ooh Poo Pah Doo  (Jessie Hill cover)

11. Concrete Jungle  (The Specials cover)

12. Still Gonna Drive You Home

13. Hard to Say No

14. Perfect Storm

15. What a Shame

16. Hometown Girls

17. Got Love If You Want It  (Slim Harpo cover)

18. Blue Collar Jane

19. You Can’t Judge a Book by the Cover  (Bo Diddley cover)

20. Heart of the City  (Nick Lowe cover)

21. Rockaway Beach  (Ramones cover)

22. Louie Louie  (The Kingsmen cover)

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