The Strange Boys
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Headquarters | Austin , United States |
| Products | Rock music |
The Strange Boys were a rock ensemble originating from Austin, Texas. The group consisted of Ryan Sambol (guitar, lead vocals, harmonica), Philip Sambol (bass), Greg Enlow (guitar), Mike La Franchi (drums), Jenna E. Thornhill DeWitt (saxophone, backing vocals), and Tim Presley (backing vocals). Their musical style incorporated influences from garage rock, punk, R&B, and country genres.
History
Initially formed in 2001 by Dallas eighth graders Ryan Sambol and Matt Hammer as a punk duo, the band grew into a trio in 2003 when Ryan’s brother Philip joined after completing college.
Their first release was the Nothing EP in 2007 under Dusty Medical Records, followed by their debut full-length album, and Girls Club, which came out in 2009 through In the Red Records.
Towards the end of 2009, the lineup underwent changes: original drummer Matt Hammer was replaced by Seth Densham from Mika Miko. Additionally, Jenna Thornhill-DeWitt (also formerly of Mika Miko) joined on saxophone and backing vocals, while Tim Presley of Darker My Love contributed backing vocals. After Densham left, Mikey La Franchi assumed drumming duties.
This refreshed lineup secured a deal with UK-based Rough Trade Records for global distribution and released their sophomore album, Be Brave, in February 2010. The album’s title track was issued as a single just before the album launch and was later featured in a 2012 Dell advertisement.
Their third studio effort, Live Music (pronounced [lɪv]), was released exclusively through Rough Trade in October 2011.
Throughout their career, The Strange Boys toured alongside bands such as Darker My Love, Night Beats, Mika Miko, Fucked Up, Crystal Antlers, Chain and the Gang, Spoon, Deerhunter, and Julian Casablancas. According to Ryan Sambol, their final show took place in Canada in July 2012.
Following the band's dissolution, "Be Brave" appeared in a 2013 commercial for Dell; meanwhile, "Doueh" and "Me and You" were included in the soundtrack of the 2014 film Awful Nice. Greg Enlow, an influential figure within Austin’s music community, passed away in March 2019.
Ryan Sambol later embarked on a solo path with his album Gestalt, released in 2021.
Discography
- Nothing EP (Dusty Medical Records, 2007)
- Isn't It Pretty To Think So 7" (In The Red Records, 2008)
- The Strange Boys and Girls Club (In The Red, 2009)
- Be Brave 7" (In The Red/Rough Trade, 2010)
- Be Brave LP (In The Red/Rough Trade, 2010)
- Live Music LP (Rough Trade, 2011)