The Strypes sign to Universal

The Cavan four-piece of Ross Farrelly (lead vocals, harmonica, percussion), Josh McClorey (lead guitar, keyboards, vocals), Pete O'Hanlon (bass, harmonica), Evan Walsh (drums) took to Facebook this morning with the following announcement:

"NEWSFLASH!!! We are absolutely delighted to announce that after several months of negotiations, we have signed a worldwide record deal with Mercury Records, UK, part of Universal Music group. We penned the deal last Friday in the Clarence Hotel, Dublin. Nice Christmas prezzie eh!!"

The deal rounds off what's been an amazing year for The Strypes, who's sixties sound influenced by The Stones, Doctor Feelgood and Led Zeppelin has seen them earn praise from the Modfather Paul Weller, Jeff Beck and Kenny Jones.

We're delighted with the news here at Hot Press, and wish the lads all the best. Check out the video for The Strypes single 'You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover' from their EP Young, Gifted & Blue. Hopefully there are plenty more like this to come!

Check out our interview with the band in our Chat Room at Electric Picnic, here...