The Strypes
Little Victories

Not yet of age, two years ago the Irish band The Strypes set the world on fire with "Snapshot," a surprising debut album that showcased the talent of this promising young quartet.

Their particularly notable influences especially amazed, as the band declared themselves in love with certain sounds from the sixties and seventies (especially Yardbirds, The Animals, and The Who). Already in the debut album, however, some more contemporary influences began to be felt (for example, a strong Arctic Monkeys flavor in the beautiful "What A Shame," also performed in front of a surprised David Letterman).

Contemporary influences that in the new work "Little Victories" become much, much more present. After all, as frontman Pete O'Hanlon himself stated, as you grow older, your points of reference change, and it can't be any other way.

As you proceed with listening to the new work, it's good to keep two fundamental things in mind: we're still talking about boys not yet twenty, who are obviously seeking their precise artistic identity. Therefore, do not be surprised by a classically transitional album like this one. The substantial difference is that these young guys know what they're doing and have the talent to succeed in their endeavor, as clearly evidenced in several episodes of this full-length.

Above all, the album's most beautiful track, "A Good Night's Sleep And A Cab Far Home": barely three minutes of post-britpop in which the group makes it clear they have a strong knack for killer melodies. Just as, in the initial pair formed by the single "Get Into It" and "I Need To Be Your Only," it's clear that the lesson from the more experienced and savvy Kasabian has been thoroughly learned. From there, the album loses a bit of homogeneity, as if it were a colorful showcase where the four display many beautiful but completely different objects from one another. From the "Arctic Monkeys" (again) of the energetic "Eighty-Four," to the brit ballad "(I Wanna Be Your) Everyday," from the almost-stoner "Cruel Brunette" to the closing with "Status Update" and "Scumbag City," which suddenly recall the bluesier sound of "Snapshot."

There's something for everyone, then, provided you realize you're in the midst of a rite of passage to a (hopefully) more defined and coherent musical life. In the meantime, with patience, listening, The Strypes offer us some gems truly worth collecting.

Best track: A Good Night's Sleep And A Cab Far Home