The Strypes @ the Waterfront

When the lights dimmed and The Strypes came on, I didn’t know what to expect. Seeing them at London’s Earls Court with the big AM almost two years ago was impressive but their latest release, the jangly, mid-noughties indie inspired Little Victories has had poor reception from the press. Nonetheless, opener Eighty Four set the bar pretty high with its dramatic kick drum intro and catchy chorus – “she keeps me up ‘til the morning baby ecstasy, you got me tossing and turning yeah you get to me”. Next came the hip shaking, bluesy What A Shame from debut album Snapshot. It sounded as good as it did two years ago but it was the first indication that something was up in Camp Strypes, if frontman Ross Farrelly’s stage presence was anything to go by; standing still and lifeless he looked almost too cool to be at his own gig as he seemed to sourly spit out each lyric. To his left, guitarist and vocalist Josh McClorey was the only real source of energy on stage. Passionately caressing his guitar during each solo he showed real musical talent despite his young age, and brought charisma to the icy atmosphere between songs (Farrelly only addressed the audience twice throughout the whole set).

During Cruel Brunette, a heavier rock song with tempo changes that make it one of the band’s more interesting pieces, Farrelly swung his mic around as if he was bored of being on stage. Coldly glancing at his band mates, there was an almost tangible sense of tension between him and McClorey, unnecessary drama at the expense of their performance and of the audience who hardly seemed interested save for the odd arm wave in the front row. During A Good Night’s Sleep and a Cab Fare Home it was a similar story. Farrelly rubbed his head in what seemed like frustration, occasionally working up enough energy to contribute some sultry, rhythm and blues inspired vocals but for the most part standing robotically, zoned out from the smoky, brightly lit amphitheatre. Midway through the set Queen of the Half Crown brought a necessary injection of intensity in the form of Evan Walsh speeding up the drums while McClorey got busy with an assortment of effect pedals and guitarist Pete O’Hanlon’s playing became fiery and dirtier, but it was an energy short lived. Get Into It and Scumbag City, arguably two of the best tracks from the new album, massively lacked the passion they have on record. Slowed down and accompanied by a halfhearted clap-along, they let down any sense of hope I had left for the band bringing back any hype to the gig. A lone scream during Blue Collar Jane was the closest thing to a conclusion, with I Need To Be Your Only closing the main set on a disappointing low. After a short break the band returned with what was admittedly a decent encore, consisting of Kick Out the Jams (originally by 60s protopunk band MC5) Rollin & Tumblin’ and ending with You Can’t Judge A Book by the Cover.

I could give the Strypes the benefit of the doubt and say well, it was their first time in Norwich, it was a big venue, they’re young, it wasn’t their fault… but when every song is overegged with complicated guitar solos and disconcerting glares between the exhausted looking band members, how else would you expect a show to deliver? Would not recommend.