Strange Names are a Brooklyn-based, Minneapolis-born indie pop trio with a rhythmic, synth-heavy, new wave-inspired sound. Formed in Minneapolis by keyboardist Liam Benzvi and guitarist Francis Ximenez, they released their self-titled debut EP in 2012 via White Iris Records. With the addition of now full-time drummer Fletcher Aleckson, they released the single "Minor Times"/"Once an Ocean," again on White Iris, in 2014. During their time in Minneapolis they had completed work on their first LP but, unhappy with the recordings, they opted to start over again at a different studio in Brooklyn. Having achieved what they considered to be a more concise and honed version of the album, they signed with Frenchkiss Records and delivered their debut full-length, Use Your Time Wisely, in early 2015. ~ Timothy Monger