The Strypes, live at Whelan's, Dublin

It's been a crazy fortnight for The Strypes. Since news broke that they'd penned a five album deal with Universal subsidiary Mercury Records UK, the Cavan four-piece have played to Elton John in a packed Brighton pub, and been the focus of lots of media attention, both here and in the UK.

Celebrations continued last night as family, friends, and fans of all ages packed into Whelan's to see Ross, Josh, Pete and Evan do their rock'n'roll thing. So would they live up to the hype?

Dressed in their usual dashing style, with tight trousers and blazers, suede boots, buttoned-up shirts, and cooler than cool hair styles, you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd entered some sort of 1960's time machine when they took to the stage. Instruments already in hand, they wasted no time on formalities, ripping through an opening trio of songs including latest single 'Blue Collar Jane' and Chuck Berry's '50s hit 'Little Queenie', without pausing for breath.

The rhythm section was momentarily disrupted as drummer Evan's unbridled enthusiasm resulted in a busted cymbal – but drum tech. to the rescue – they were back on track in jig time, tearing through renditions of Timmy Shaw's 'Send You Back To Georgia', Barbara George's 1961 single 'I Know You Don't Love Me No More', and a straight-up rhythm and blues version of 'My Babe', originally recorded by Little Walter in 1955. The latter in particular whipped the crowd up, into a heaving, sweaty, hip-shaking frenzy.

Proceedings got even sweatier, when bass player Pete swapped guitar for harmonica, and gave an earth-shattering, and no doubt lung-busting, mouth organ masterclass. A spot of instrument-swapping added to the sense of adventure and – with Ross taking over on six-string duties along the way, and Josh displaying his versatility with some seriously deep and funky bass-lines – the group sustained their phenomenal energy levels throughout.

The band's original shape was restored for a thunderously loud finale, and two (yes two!) encores, that included 'You Can't Judge A Book By It's Cover' from their Young Gifted And Blue EP and a cover of Bobby Troup's classic '(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66'.

The Strypes have nailed their colours to the mast. There aren't many teenagers out there with such a sweeping knowledge of 1960's beat and r'n'b music, never mind having the ability to deconstruct the songs of Chuck Berry, Doctor Feelgood and the like, and put them back together in their own inimitable style.

Sure, people are going to ask the hard questions. Is it new? Is it current? Is it original? That's all fair enough. But on tonight's evidence The Strypes have the talent, the drive and the musical chops to deliver big time in the long term. Already their debut album seems like a thoroughly intriguing prospect.

Where it will take The Strypes remains to be seen. I, for one, can't wait to find out.

Hot Press photographer Monika Karaliunaite was there to catch all the action. You can check out the full gallery of pictures here.