Stipe @ Mr Kyps, Poole, January 13th 2007				Review by Ian Ritchie
	Shut your eyes and it could have been Michael Stipe and REM up there on stage. This is a band that is serious about providing an experience that as closely resembles the original as is possible. Some tribute bands look the part, others get close to the sound of the originals. Stipe are a band that get a massive tick in both boxes. It was my first visit to Mr Kyps, a Poole venue which holds around 300, and there was a good 250 plus in the audience, most of whom were clearly fans. The feedback from the audience clearly lifted the band and it was easy to see why lead guitar and mandolin player Paul Tonge lists Mr Kyps as his favourite venue, on the band’s website, www.stipe.co.uk. All the favourites were there, including Man in the Moon, Night Swimming, Losing my Religion, Orange Crush and Happy Shining People (sic) The latter involved a guest appearance on backup vocals from a statuesque dark haired beauty from the audience who more than held her own on stage. Vocalist Rick Southern has captured Michael Stipe’s mannerisms perfectly, as well as his vocal range. New drummer Karl Hand at 18, would be turned away from most licensed premises without ID, but the quality of his drumming belied his tender years. Nothing ‘big time’ about this band. Within 5 minutes of the final encore they were straight down to the bar and happy to chat to their admiring public! As REM do not have any tour dates currently, anyone wanting a ‘fix’ of one of the USA’s major rock acts should not miss Stipe when they are next in the area. There is no question that they will be back at Mr Kyps, and they also play Basingstoke in January. They have played The Brook in Southampton, so if you see them listed there again, don’t hesitate, lay down your cash and get along and prepare to be entertained. Review by: Ian Ritchie for AND Magazine Reproduced by kind permission