Texas native’s The Strange Boys played Tuesday at the Mohawk, which put the SXSW week off to a great start. I remember being in high school seeing them at Rubber Gloves in Denton, TX. Their baby faces of those days now display beards and their singing has gotten clearer, but their style remains the same.
Most longtime fans might be discouraged from their crisper vocals and melodies; however they have stayed consistent throughout the years with twangy guitar riffs and catchy doo-wop lyrics. Every time I see them, it all sounds new and innovative, sometimes jazzy, sometimes more country, but this time their set had an upbeat bluesy tone with lead singer Ryan Sambol (who looks good with his tan), played many songs on keyboards and some on a 12-string guitar while whaling on the harmonica. Someone might recall other Texas native Buddy Holly’s similar sound. I kept it strange with them in the beginning and I’ll keep it strange with the Strange Boys till the end. Be sure to check out The Strange Boys this week at SXSW. www.strange-boys.com
This article appears in March 9 • 2012.