Kansas City’s Shy Boys earnestly began as an outlet to escape from their day jobs or an excuse to ditch class. After returning to school in 2011, Collin quickly enlisted brother Kyle Rausch and roommate Konnor Ervin to critique some rough mixes and demos he’d been working on in his free time. Though musicians in their respective fields, Collin had never played guitar, Konnor wasn’t a drummer, and Kyle had never picked up a bass in his life. The response? Fuck it. From the first song it was contagious, energetic and downright sloppy.
Their 2014 “S/T” debut got nods from Pitchfork (“These unforced, unfussy, unshakably catchy songs are awfully easy to like, and their precarious presentation’s just gauzy and peculiar enough to hold together after the dozenth listen”), Stereogum, Brooklyn Vegan (“Impressively catchy songs played with spirit and charm”) and Spin.
They followed up with a limited-edition 7″ called “45”, whose first single “Life Is Peachy” debuted on Stereogum, and then toured the US, including a Southwest stint opening for STRFKR.
Shy Boys: Collin Rausch (Vocals, Guitar), Kyle Rausch (Vocals, Bass), Konnor Ervin (Vocals, Drums)
Discography:
