Keeping rock n’ roll alive with The Strypes at Union Transfer
Since their inception, people have told me time and time again that rock ’n roll is in no way dead, and The Strypes were the principal thing keeping it alive.
Saying I was skeptical doesn’t cut it; I was in no way convinced that an Irish four piece consisting of guys the exact same age as me could save rock n’ roll in the way people told me they were. This past Wednesday, I got to see for myself, and I can safely report that rock is in no way dead, and The Strypes are why.
The band brings an energy to the stage unlike any act I’ve ever seen – their set drove from beginning ’til end, and their blues boom influence shone throughout. Pete O’Hanlon’s incredible stage presence was a huge highlight for me, as well as lead vocalist Josh McClorey’s frequent harmonica solos. The band also took the time to cover several artists throughout their set, including Vince Taylor, Bo Diddley, Howlin’ Wolf, and many more.
Joining The Strypes on Wednesday was Brooklyn-based rock group The Skins, featuring Bayli Mckeithan on astounding lead vocals, her sister Kaya on bass, and Reef on drums, as well as frequent dueling guitar solos between Daisy Spencer and Russel Chell.
The moral of Wednesday night for me is that ultimately, age doesn’t matter. The Strypes are a mean age of eighteen and have peaked at #2 in Ireland and #5 in the UK, and the Skins are between 15 and 21 and have been featured in various ad campaigns, and were SXSW 2013 favorites. Check out photos and The Strypes’ set list below!
Setlist
Mystery Man
So They Say
Brand New Cadillac (Vince Taylor cover)
She’s So Fine
What the People Don’t See
I Don’t Want to Know
I Can Tell (Bo Diddley cover)
Smokestack Lightning (Howlin’ Wolf cover)
Angel Eyes
Ooh Poo Pah Doo (Jessie Hill cover)
Concrete Jungle (The Specials cover)
Still Gonna Drive You Home
Hard to Say No
Perfect Storm
What a Shame
Hometown Girls
Got Love If You Want It (Slim Harpo cover)
Blue Collar Jane
You Can’t Judge a Book by the Cover (Bo Diddley cover)
Heart of the City (Nick Lowe cover)
Encore:
Rockaway Beach (Ramones cover)
Louie Louie (The Kingsmen cover)