Your Name’s Not Ned

Sioux Falls

Way back in 2016 — why does it feel so long ago? — I stumbled upon this band and connected with their sound and spirit. I’m not sure exactly why I might latch on to one band more than another. I have a theory that we must have been drinking from the same springs — similar influences, tastes. I know they were Modest Mouse fans. And like me, they also love The Cure.

Mostly though, it must be because I sense a kind of fearlessness in their songwriting and record making. This particular album ROT FOREVER is really outstanding. I own it on cassette and often play it LOUD in my car. There’s a 90’s indie rock spirit at work — and at times it even reminds me of Built To Spill, and other legendary bands. You hear those influences, but they really have carved out their own canvas and sound with this record. It was their last one as Sioux Falls before changing to STRANGE RANGER. With the name change, they also tweaked their sound, their approach. And that fearlessness is still there. I sure appreciate that as a music lover because each release feels unexpected, which is refreshing. They are talented and I have a feeling their best records are still ahead of us, which is exciting for fans. They seem like good people too and were generous enough to let me license this amazing track for my fourth feature Phoenix, Oregon. So dig this song and have sung along with it too many times in my car. ❤️ the na-na-na-na-na-na’s and the oo-oooo-ooo’s and that great bass line taking us out.