Whelan’s, Dublin Tues 8pm €17.50 01-4780766
What’s this? Four teenagers from Cavan, booted, suited and surging into the well of 1960s beat/r’nb? Before you start scratching your head and wondering where the catch is and how long the novelty can last, you’ll have to understand one very important thing about The Strypes: these lads can play. Not only that, they can take asunder 1960s rock/ rhythm’n’blues and mid-1970s punk rock, constituent part by constituent part, and put it back together again before you notice what they’ve done.
Yes, there might be novelty here, but there’s also a strong dose of authenticity that, despite the tender age of the bandmates, comes across all too obviously. As well, it’s been many years since we’ve seen a guitarist with as much attitude as Josh McClorey, and there hasn’t been as good a bass player as Peter O’Hanlon since we last watched John Entwhistle strum his instrument like a lead guitar.
Really, says you? Really, says I. Think The Yardbirds crossed with Dr Feelgood. Expect picks to be winkled and necks to be turtled. Feel that smile landing.
Can’t See That? Catch This
Glen Hansard Tonight, Dublin