The Strange Boys

The Strange Boys

The Strange Boys are an Austin, Texas rock group active from 2001 to 2012. They are associated with garage rock, lo-fi, psychedelic rock and related garage sounds, and their line-up centres on Ryan Sambol, with Philip Sambol, Greg Enlow and Matt Hammer also part of the band. Matt Hammer and the younger Sambol begin the group as a duo in 2003, and the other two members join in 2005.

Style and sound

The band’s music combines a raw, rhythm-driven approach with organ-led grooves and guitar work, drawing comparisons with 1960s garage and psychedelic groups. Their sound is described through references to Brian Jones, The Seeds and other late-1960s influences, alongside a looser, more modern underground rock feel. Ryan Sambol’s vocals are a distinctive part of the group’s identity.

Releases

The Strange Boys record a large amount of material from 2003 onwards, much of which circulates at shows and among friends without an official release. Their first official release is the Nothing EP, issued by Dusty Medical Records in 2007. In 2008, In the Red releases the single Woe Is You and Me. Their debut album, The Strange Boys And Girls Club, is a sixteen-track release.

Live activity and associations

The band tours extensively and appears at a number of festivals and events, including South by Southwest, Fuck Yeah Fest, Austin City Limits, Festival in Music Fest Northwest and Bamalama. They support Roky Erickson and the Explosives at Chaos in Tejas, back Mighty Hannibal, and share bills with Daniel Johnston, Black Lips, Reigning Sound, The King Khan and BBQ Show, Jay Reatard, Mika Miko, No Age and BRMC. They also tour with The Black Angels, Fucked Up, The Carrots, Crystal Antlers and later Darker My Love and Mika Miko.

Later recognition

In 2010, Be Brave appears on a best-albums list and in artists-and-bands favourites selections from Indierockcafe.com.