Through Chili Cold Blood’s blues and the Moonhangers’ country, Doug Strahan has never been pigeonholed. Little surprise, then, that the local hat act’s current outfit serves an unexpected twist of funky roots soul. Leading off with the jamming “Moving to the Country,” the eponymous nine-song set plays like a back-porch picking session, “Lighten Up, Joe” high-stepping in throwback R&B fashion alongside the bluesier “Can’t Keep My Feet” and “Farmer Boy Shoes.” Strahan infuses fun into everything he touches, but laying it all out here still doesn’t capture his infectious charm.

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This article appears in June 24 • 2016.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.