Minneapolis duo Strange Names combine an unabashed live energy with the rhythmic and melodic romance of late 70s & early 80s new wave, (think Kid Creole meets Echo & The Bunnymen meets The B-52s), Strange Names kicks out straightforward pop songs with meticulous care and intricacy. Liam Benzvi, raised in Brooklyn, NY, came to Minnesota for college where he met Minnesota-bred Francis Jimenez in the freshmen dorms. They began exchanging ideas for songs in late 2010, and quickly established an appreciation for each other’s writing. With two EPs and a single 7” with White Iris Records (Best Coast, Electric Guest, FIDLAR), the duo has performed alongside Janelle Monae, Yeasayer, Mac DeMarco, The Walkmen, and Matt & Kim among others.

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