The Strypes

Snapshot (Island/Def Jam)

Snapshot resets rock & roll with four Irish teenagers eradicating all cynicism. Once the needle drops on the opening feedback storms of “Mystery Man,” the Sixties R&B of the Pretty Things, Rolling Stones, Yardbirds, and Who filters through 1977 punk via loud perfection by Sex Pistols producer Chris Thomas. Strypes originals like “Blue Collar Jane” demonstrate their knowhow in applying blues forms to modern living. Judicious covers of Bo Diddley (“I Can Tell”), Willie Dixon (“You Can’t Judge a Book by the Cover”), and Elmore James (“Rollin’ & Tumblin'”) reiterate that these roots run deep. They even namedrop Lee Van Cleef in “Angel Eyes.” Better still, Josh McClorey, at 17, already rips Telecaster frets as handily as Jimmy Page at 27. Sneer away, jaded hipster. All you’re missing is rock & roll being saved.

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This article appears in July 18 • 2014.

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Tim Stegall contributed to The Austin Chronicle 1991-1995, and was a staff writer 1995-1997. He returned as a contributor in 2013. He has also freelanced for publications ranging from Flipside to Alternative Press to Guitar World. He plays punk rock guitar and sings in the Hormones.