Who The F#%k Are: The Strypes

The Strypes are an Irish rhythm and blues quartet formed in 2011.  After a few tweaks to their line up, the band released an EP entitled Young Gifted & Blue in 2012, which raised their profile significantly.  Dave Grohl, Sir Elton John, Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher are all fans.  In fact, the band are signed to John's management company.  Did I mention that the average age of the band is sixteen years old?  

The band are currently working on a debut album with highly-acclaimed record producer Chris Thomas (whose credits include The Beatles, Sex Pistols, Inxs and Pulp).  In the meantime, their debut single 'Blue Collar Jane' is available on iTunes and you can watch the video below.  

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Who The F#%k Are: Big Skies

Berlin based four-piece, Big Skies describe themselves as "psychedelic Britpop" (a term that immediately piqued my interest).  Formed by lifelong friends James Cubitt (vocals/guitar), Adam Neal (bass/vocals) and Jack Wharton (guitar/vocals) in late 2011, the trio left the claustrophobic London scene for the more artistically satisfying confines of Berlin where they met Canadian drummer Alexander Cumming.  

While they list influences such as The Jesus and Mary Chain and The Cure, there are also echoes of Going Blank Again-era Ride and, of course, the mid-90s Britpop explosion.

You could say the sky's the limit (too predictable?) for this up-and-coming band.  They have just played their biggest gig to date, opening for Palma Violets.  As of this writing, Big Skies only have three songs available on their Soundcloud page, my favourite being 'Stay Alive', which you can hear below.  Here's hoping for more.

bigskiesofficial.com

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