The Strypes’ sophomore LP ‘Little Victories’ went out on the Friday 21th August and like Blue Collar Jane, it is causing quite a stir… A teacup in the hand, Mcvitie’s biscuit in the other, the four lads from Cavan, Ireland, have obviously sat down and worked quite a bit since their debut album ‘Snapshot’ (2013). As commenting on their unusual talent for such a young age is starting to get old, let’s crack straight on with the album review. I have been surprised to see a few mixed reviews in the Irish/UK newspapers today, which generally comment that this album is good but doesn’t offer anything very original. Well, Let the people say what the people say…
Generally speaking, you’ve got to admit that objectivity ain’t your forte when it comes to one of your favourite bands, but I shall do my best to give my honest opinion.
‘It’s different’ is the unanimous first comment, ‘it’s very good’ should be the second. Admittedly, the influence of the Arctic Monkeys (for whom they where opening on the AM tour) is there, especially perceptible in tracks ‘Get into it’ and ‘A good night sleep and a cab fare home’. The latter’s signature guitar riff and indie vibes makes it the perfect radio track.
‘A good night sleep and a cab fare home’ official music video
Somebody please tell Ross that he’s too young to drive before the traffic eases up!
Both songs were chosen as the lead and second singles ahead of the release of the album. Another two tracks, ‘Scumbag city’ and ’84’ were already present in the ‘Flat out EP’ (Spring 2015)
Great writing skills overall! Although the themes of the songs are repetitive, there has been much improvement in the lyrics, written by Josh. The student in Humanities in me thinks that the references to George Orwell’s 1984 in ’84’ and Henry VIII’s cutting solution to his marital issues in ‘Now she’s gone’ deserve a shout out. However, the Little Victory of the wittiest lyrics is attrituted to the sole song written by Pete for ‘Cruel brunette’. Musically, the album is much less of a raw diamond than ‘Snapshot’ was. It is better executed and less aggressive without losing its energy, so one can still hear the ‘early Strypes’ in it despite the clear evolution. The record includes a few slow songs, ‘Everyday’, ‘Queen of the half crown’ and ‘Scumbag city’, which show off Ross' much more confident vocals. Nostalgics of their older style might want to give bonus track ‘Fill the spaces’ a listen. 'G.O.V.' is another excellent bonus track.
Pete O'Hanlon - Bass Guitar
Josh McClorey - Lead Guitar/Vocals
Six months ago, I had never heard of The Strypes. In this timeframe, I have seen them live more often that I have seen my mother (sorry maman), that is three times, at Slane Castle Festival (May, Ireland), the Vieilles Charrues Festival (July, France - review here) and at the HMV showcase for the release of ‘Little Victories’ in Dublin yesterday (August, Ireland). Hence, I have heard most of these 12 tracks live first. Although I do think that there is no better way to get introduced to any music, I strongly advise you to get ‘Little Victories’ and you can always go check out the lads performing it live on their upcoming IE/UK tour in September, stopping by Dublin (The Academy) on the 24th, EU tour in October and Japan Tour in November. You just gotta Get into it! Details and tickets on http://thestrypes.com/gigs/
Ross Farelly - Lead Vocals/Harmonica
Evan Walsh - Drums
The band will also do further in store performances next week across the UK.
As a little preview, here is what happened in Dublin yesterday in HMV Dundrum (South Dublin). It started by a small gig, opening unsurprisingly with ‘Now she’s gone’, then came ‘Cab fare home’, ’84’, ‘Scumbag city’, ‘Get into it’ and closing with ‘What a shame’ upon the audience’s request. It was pretty calm and chilled because apparently moshing and headbanging is not the most appropriate behaviour in a shop. What a shame! More seriously, it was good and everyone got their album signed and their picture taken with the lads. They were really sweet.
Freebies!
After Ross and Pete at the Vieilles Charrues Festival, I finally got the second half of the Strypes to sign my flag.
Within the hour, my first tweet was retweeted/favourited close to 40 times, score!
#LittleVictories
I suggested to them to meet up for an interview before their Academy gig in September and they seemed up for it. Happy days! I’ll keep you posted. Same applies to The Mighty Stef to whom I went to say hello later on as they were present for support along with The Strypes' families. The Mighty Stef are once again the supporting act on the upcoming IE/UK tour. I had met them earlier this month at their Whelans gig (pictures here) and guarantee they will do a great job warming you up for The Strypes. In the meantime, this month's interviews with The Hot Sprockets, The 45s (Liverpool) and Beware of You will be posted shortly. To not miss anything, make sure to Like Of Bands & Gigs page on Facebook or Follow @ofbandsandgigs on Twitter.
No comments:
Post a Comment