Thursday 13 February 2014

The Strypes new ‘4 Track Mind' EP review by Rachel Young


A STEP FORWARD

Fresh from their debut North American tour, The Strypes have hit us with yet another collection of heavy R&B belters. What better to coincide with an almost sell out UK tour, than a storming EP to go with it?

Released on Tuesday, the new EP opens with punky, 'Hard To Say No'. Beginning with a prominent drum beat, delivered masterfully by Evan Walsh,  immediately we can tell that (whilst still possessing a traditional Strypes vibe) the band have confidently matured their sound into a more rounded, heavier blues tone we all know and love. As always, Ross Farrelly's vocal snarl, drives the song but there is no doubt that Walsh's relentless energy throughout is the highlight. 

Previous single/album track - What a Shame - seems to have grown up and developed into the 2nd monster tune 'So They Say'. Josh McClorey's, Dr Feelgood esk riff supported by Pete O Hanlon's pacey bass, keeps you intently listening to the gritty observational lyrics included.

All original tracks, with no covers to hide behind, it pushes The Strypes musical ability right to the fore front and yes, they deliver and then some! 'I Don't Want To Know' takes the 3rd slot. What you could describe as Rhythm and Blues on speed, although tunefully slowing in the middle to build again into an inspired blast of pure rock.

'Still Gonna Drive You Home' ends the EP, and what a blindingly great song to finish. Live, even acoustically, it surely is soon to become a high point of their set. Farrelly's voice instantly hitting you, drawing you in on an extended note and disorientating backing vocals - it is truly brilliant.

With The Strypes' largest headline gig to date at Shepherds Bush Empire on Thursday and a return to the States later this year, there is really no stopping them.

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