The Syrups sweet in Starline Show

By Damian Kilroy

Having already been billed as America’s answer to The Beatles, there are high expectations for The Syrups, even from those who have yet to hear their music. More than 100 people strolled into The Starline on Friday night to see for themselves what all the fuss is about.

As The Syrups launched into their opening number, “Unavailable,” the source of the comparisons to The Beatles became apparent. With jangly guitar cords and backing harmonies complete with head shaking, it would be crazy not to recognize The Beatles’ influence. Throughout, lead singer Orion Walton looked like a blend of some of Britain’s finest front men, belting out each song with a Lennon-esque wail and striking Morrissey poses with his microphone stand, all the while receiving every bit of attention his presence demands.

It may be as a result of working with Geoff Emerick that The Syrups have honed their skills into producing three-and-a-half-minute pop melodies that rock ’n’ roll around in your head like not much else around. After treating The Starline to pop-perfect renditions of the catchy “My Mistake” and “Human Sympathy,” The Syrups went all melancholy for the highlight of the show, a stunning rendition of their latest release, “Wake Up Laura.”

This heart wrenching ballad, which bears more than a passing resemblance to some of Morrissey’s work, represents another impressive string to The Syrups musical bow.

After a significant opening 40 minutes, the set dipped slightly with the less impressive California rock style “Hair Down” and “Don’t Stop The Rain.” Any disenchantment was short-lived, however, as The Syrups got the show back on track with the Elvis Costello-like “Man With The Money.” After the band finished with the rock-out “Radio,” they left the stage to loud applause from an appreciative audience.

Despite one or two weak moments in the set, The Syrups are still a young band on a learning curve and are far from world domination.

It is their on-stage energy and raw potential that has made some of the industry’s biggest names sit up and take note.

As their fan base continues to grow with every live performance, so too does their reputation. Though the abundant comparisons to The Beatles are unavoidable, it is a weight that The Syrups are quite prepared to take on their shoulders,

“ In my opinion, [The Beatles] are one of the greatest rock and roll bands ever, so it’s a great compliment” said Orion Walton.