Live Music

Artist: The Strange Boys
Label: Rough Trade
Website: strange-boys.com

Live Music ("live" rhymes with "give") continues the evolution of Austin band The Strange Boys, as their third record finds the group sinking into a laid back roots driven rock that still shows undertones of British Invasion but mostly hovers in a mid-tempo folk.

A noticeable difference on Live Music is that the production is much cleaner compared to their previous records, which allows Ryan Sambol to showcase more of his vocals out front and in many cases, "sell" the song. Depending on which side of the fence you sit on, Sambol's Dylan like vocals either work for you or not but his delivery for this type of record is spot on.

The album continuously dives into new territory but the revved up harmonica track "Punk's Pajamas" will remind you of The Strange Boys early beginnings, as it has a very Strokes vibe. The jam psychedelic song "Omnia Boa" is a good time from beginning to end and keeps your feet tapping while showing off the band's musicianship. More than ever before, Live Music is a grower for The Strange Boys, as it starts to really sink in after the third listen.

The only real component that holds Live Music from being the band's best outing is that it holds itself back too much. Too many songs are reserved instead of just letting the band loose. More laid back might be the current stage of The Strange Boys but don't mistake that for settled as their other pieces grow here which should produce a great record in their future.

Christopher Anthony

For more of Christopher Anthony's music reviews, check out The Fire Note