Evangelicals

Though the band name The Evangelicals might appear fitting for a group hailing from Norman, OK, in the heart of the Bible Belt, their skewed, psychedelic approach to post-Pavement indie rock would likely leave the typical church youth group unenthused. The project originated in 2005 when singer and songwriter Josh Jones, initially its only participant, drew heavy influence from fellow Oklahoma eccentrics such as the Flaming Lips and the Starlight Mints along with kindred spirits at the psychedelic fringe of modern indie pop. Having laid down most of the debut album solo, Jones later brought aboard his childhood friend Austin Stephens on drums and Oklahoma University classmate Kyle Davis on bass, transforming the endeavor into a committed studio and road unit. The act then inked a deal with the esteemed indie imprint Misra Records—home to acts including Great Lake Swimmers and the Mendoza Line—and issued that first full-length, So Gone, on the symbolically resonant date of June 6, 2006.