When Eurodance sensation Haddaway asked the eternal question “What is love?” in 1993, he was unaware that years later his inquiry would be answered by a roots-Americana outfit hailing from Springfield, MO. Armed with lyrical dexterity and jangly guitar-driven tunes, The Random Strangers skillfully wield the heartbreak, humor, and earthiness of their forebears with such conviction that one would be hard-pressed not to associate them with the likes of Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Dwight Yoakam, Old 97’s, or the ‘Exile’-era Rolling Stones.

The Random Strangers draw from a deep well of great influences. There is more, however, to their music than a simple rehash of old tunes by venerated songsmiths. The band has arrived at the perfect time. A genre that some might call ‘No Depression’ or ‘Alt-country’ seems the perfect fit for Wallace and company. They find solace in songs from an age past, and seek to present the feel and spirit of those songs in a modern presentation, to make the songs fresh for all of those who missed out on true country music the first time around. The songs ooze of barroom wisdom, statements on modern love, and ruminations on simpler times.

Ryan Wallace features on vocals and guitar. With a baritone style, Wallace sings tunes spun of golden heartbreak and of decisions considered too late. He is accompanied by band mates Clinton Houseman, Cody Reed, and Alisha Thomas; on lead guitar, bass guitar, and fiddle, respectively.

—Wil K.

Thomas Family is following