We've recently been talking with a relatively new band out of Norman, OK called the Evangelicals, and we decided to write a little something about them even though they're not a local band because 1) they're pretty damn good; 2) they've just signed with Austin's Misra records, which means that they'll be in Texas quite a bit, which means that they'll have to drive through Denton/Dallas on their way down south, which means that 4) they'll probably be playing a lot around here in the near future. Oh yeah, and 5) because I do what I want!

The Evangelicals were formed right around the time that vocalist and guitar player Josh Jones (formerly a guitar tech for the Mooney Suzuki) was apparently arrested for burglary and decided to be in a band instead of being a roadie and like, stealing stuff. Jones, along with bassist/keys player Kyle Davis and drummer Austin Stephens self-recorded their debut LP So Gone several months back, and Misra will officially release it in June.

Although the band lists Leonard Cohen and T. Rex as a couple of their influences, we hear Belle and Sebastian, Brian Jonestown Massacre and Spacemen 3, as well as some early Flaming Lips and maybe even a little Jesus and Mary Chain, if only because of the distinct 60's bubblegum sounds buzzing just beneath the manic fuzz and tempo changes (check the first verse in "Another Day" if you don't believe us). Their songs are catchy as shit and completely loose in structure and composition without ever wandering too far away from their pop core. We can tell you that there aren't any other bands in the greater north Texas/Oklahoma area that sound very much like them, and we're going to be sure to see the Evangelicals the next time they come to town, even if it means missing a totally sweet Deathray Davies show or something.

Some Mp3s if you please:

"Another Day" Link

"Hello Jen, I'm a Mess" Link

josh jones is in stardeath as well

Yes, they were great at their Denton show!

i'm from oklahoma city, and have been lucky enough to catch the evangelicals quite a few times. their live show is really mind blowing. josh is a maniac on the guitar. i once saw him (accidentally, i presume...?) dive backwards off the stage into a plastic tub of lights, and, legs in the air, bust out a solo like you've never heard, kick out of the tub on to his feet, and jump back on stage, never missing a beat. they are a great band. one of oklahoma's best.

I've been listening to these guys for awhile, good stuff. Glad to see them getting some press. Hope to see a show soon too.

Another good band from Oklahoma...
http://www.myspace.com/stardeath