Originally a punk duo, they expanded to a trio when Ryan's brother Philip returned to Dallas from college in 2003.

In late 2009 the band underwent some line-up changes, with drummer and founding member Matt Hammer being replaced by Seth Densham, originally of Mika Miko (who disbanded in October 2009).

Around the same time, the new line-up signed a deal with UK record label Rough Trade to distribute their material outside the US, and also announced details of their second album, Be Brave.

The Strange Boys have toured alongside acts such as Darker My Love, Night Beats, Mika Miko, Fucked Up, Crystal Antlers, Chain and the Gang, Spoon, Deerhunter, and Julian Casablancas.

[2] According to singer Ryan Sambol, The Strange Boys played what was their last show in July 2012 in Canada.