Before heading off to the South by Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas next week, Brooklynite Liam Benzvi ­­and Minneapolis native Francis Jimenez, together making up Strange Names, will play at 11:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. March 7-8 at UW-Eau Claire’s Cabin.

As part of the University Affairs Committee, Cabin Committee’s free performance series, Strange Names will be bringing their electronic-pop sound to campus for their first-ever Wisconsin show. Accompanied by live performers Andre Borka and Fletcher Aleckson, the two play a mix of keyboards, guitar and percussion.

The band’s manager, Chris Heidman, said the band’s funk-driven sound comes with a lot to offer.

“They have an incredible sort of range … I hear everything from Passion Pit to the Yardbirds to Stereolab in their songs,” he said. “Liam and Francis have this amazing indie sensibility and yet they write these massive pop songs.”

Benzvi and Jimenez said they’re excited to see what Eau Claire holds in store for them, given their initial impressions of the city.

“We heard through the grapevine that Eau Claire is quite the oasis of musical talent and appreciation, we’re really stoked to come visit,” said Benzvi.

Look out for Strange Names this weekend at The Cabin, as well as the release of their new 7”, MINOR TIMES/ONCE AN OCEAN on White Iris Records.

Check back for a review of Strange Names’ performance!