The Strypes

The Strypes were a four-piece rock band from Cavan, Ireland, formed in 2010 consisting of Ross Farrelly (lead vocals/harmonica), Josh McClorey (lead guitar/vocals), Peter O’Hanlon (bass guitar/harmonica) and Evan Walsh (drums). The band played the local scene with various members switching parts as they searched for their sound. They drew inspiration from 1960s blues boom and 1970s pub rock bands such as Dr. Feelgood, Eddie and the Hot Rods, The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, Lew Lewis and Rockpile as well as the original bluesmen and rock ’n’ roll artists such as Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Howlin’ Wolf and Little Walter, among others.

The band, with a shared love of blues and rhythm and blues music, formed in the town of Cavan, Ireland. After several months gigging around their hometown, the band began playing clubs and pubs around Ireland, playing sets mixing original material with rhythm and blues covers. Their set of fast-paced, gritty, garage rock "speed blues", which mixed the powerful approach of Dr. Feelgood with the intense rave-up format of The Yardbirds, quickly became well received by crowds across Ireland and their reputation as a live act grew.

The band’s debut EP Young, Gifted & Blue brought them surprise success and recognition in 2012, topping the iTunes Blues charts. After signing with Elton John’s record label, the band released their debut L.P Snapshot in 2013, bringing them to national fame.

The band became known for their stellar live performances and supported artists like the Arctic Monkeys, Johnny Marr and Paul Weller on tour.

The band followed up with the release of Little Victories, which received comparatively mixed reviews due to its more indie-rock style. They embarked on a world tour in support of the album.

The band released Spitting Image in 2017, which enjoyed rave reviews but relatively poor commercial success.

The band announced their split on social media in November 2018. Josh McClorey remains musically active, embarking on a solo career .O’ Hanlon, Walsh and Farrelly initially reunited to form Indie rock band The Zen Arcade however they have since disbanded.