Strange Ranger Explained

Alias:Sioux Falls (2009–2016)
Strange Ranger
Years Active:2009–2023
Origin:Portland, Oregon, U.S.
Past Members:
  • Isaac Eiger
  • Fred Nixon
  • Benjamin Scott
  • Fiona Woodman
  • Nathan Tucker
  • Asher Groh

Strange Ranger was an American indie rock band formed in Bozeman, Montana in 2009. Originally named Sioux Falls, they changed the moniker in 2016. The group announced their disbandment on October 30, 2023, via an Instagram post.[1]

History

The group began as the high school project of guitarist and vocalist Isaac Eiger and bassist Fred Nixon in their hometown of Bozeman, Montana. Eiger and Nixon bonded over their love of bands like Modest Mouse and Pixies, which influenced their sound.[2] In 2010, Eiger and Nixon relocated to Portland and started putting out music on Bandcamp in the early 2010s under the name Sioux Falls.

On May 7, 2012, Sioux Falls released their first EP on Bandcamp, Odds 'n' Ends. In 2013, the group released their second EP, Big Krackel. In 2014, the band recruited drummer Benjamin Scott. On May 14, 2014, Sioux Falls released their third EP, Lights Off For Danger.[3] On February 10, 2015, Sioux Falls released Fadeaway, a split EP with indie band Snow Roller via Broken World Media.[4]

On February 19, 2016, Sioux Falls released their debut full-length album, Rot Forever, via Broken World Media.[5] [6] Later in 2016, the band saw the exit of drummer Benjamin Scott, and changed their name to Strange Ranger.[7] On October 6, 2017, Strange Ranger released their first album under their new name, Daymoon.[8] In 2017, the group added vocalist Fiona Woodman and drummer Nathan Tucker to their lineup.[9] In 2019, Strange Ranger released their third full-length album as a band (second as Strange Ranger), titled Remembering the Rockets.[10] [11]

In 2020, Strange Ranger organized two benefit compilations, one in support of Bernie Sanders's 2020 presidential campaign,[12] and one to benefit Groundswell's Rapid Response Funds in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.[13]

The band's fourth album, Pure Music, was released July 21, 2023 via Fire Talk Records.[14] The album signified a shift from indie rock into more poppy electronic sounds.[15] In their disbandment announcement on Instagram, the band stated that Pure Music will be the last Strange Ranger album.

Discography

Studio albums

as Sioux Falls

as Strange Ranger

EPs

as Sioux Falls

as Strange Ranger

Mixtapes

as Strange Ranger

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Hussey . Allison . Strange Ranger Break Up . . October 30, 2023 . 31 October 2023.
  2. Web site: Hyden . Steven . Strange Ranger Is The Adventurous Indie-Rock Band You've Been Waiting For . . July 19, 2019 . 31 October 2023.
  3. Web site: Lights Off For Danger . Bandcamp. October 31, 2023.
  4. Web site: Fadeaway split w/ Snow Roller. Bandcamp. October 31, 2023.
  5. Web site: Nelson . Brad . Sioux Falls: Rot Forever . . February 12, 2016 . 26 July 2019.
  6. Web site: Kivel . Adam . Sioux Falls – Rot Forever . 25 February 2016 . . 26 July 2019.
  7. Web site: Geslani . Michelle . Sioux Falls change name to Strange Ranger, premiere new song "Sunbeams Through Your Head" — listen . September 2016 . Consequence of Sound . 26 July 2019.
  8. Web site: Rettig . James . Stream Strange Ranger Daymoon . 4 October 2017 . . 26 July 2019.
  9. Web site: Helfand . Raphael . Strange Ranger disband . . 30 October 2023 . 31 October 2023.
  10. Web site: Ross . Alex . Hear Strange Ranger's beautiful, apocalyptic indie LP, Remembering The Rockets . . 26 July 2019.
  11. Web site: Rettig . James . Stream Strange Ranger's New Album Remembering The Rockets . 24 July 2019 . Stereogum . 26 July 2019.
  12. Web site: Hussey . Allison . 2020-01-15 . Strange Ranger, Jay Som, Shamir, and More Contribute to Bernie Sanders Benefit Comp . 2025-09-24 . Pitchfork . en-US.
  13. Web site: Ruiz . Matthew Ismael . 2020-04-30 . Mount Eerie, Downtown Boys, More Featured on New COVID-19 Benefit Album . 2025-09-24 . Pitchfork . en-US.
  14. Web site: Geiger . Amy . Strange Ranger announce new album 'Pure Music,' share "She's On Fire" . May 2, 2023 . 31 October 2023.
  15. Web site:
    1. NOWPLAYING - Strange Ranger, 'Rain So Hard'
    . NPR. March 17, 2023. Davis, Ted.