Seemingly heavily influenced by fellow Oklahoma oddballs like the Flaming Lips and the Starlight Mints, as well as other members of the lysergic end of contemporary indie pop, the Evangelicals were started in 2005 by singer, songwriter, and, at first, sole member Josh Jones. After recording the majority of the Evangelicals' debut album by himself, Jones recruited his childhood friend Austin Stephens as drummer and fellow Oklahoma University student Kyle Davis on bass, turning the group into a full-time studio and touring proposition. Signing to the respected indie Misra Records (Great Lake Swimmers, the Mendoza Line, etc.), the Evangelicals released their debut album, So Gone, on the thematically appropriate date of June 6, 2006. ~ Stewart Mason