Andy Phipps, Jake Ashton, Bruce Kimura, Jakeob Ewell, and Jeff Taylor met in high school. It’s not very often that high school bands end up sounding this good. Most people disband after graduating high school and then start other, way better bands. St. Ranger is actually already very good, and I hope they stay together a long time.

I showed some of my friends their five track album “Life Coach”, and they were impressed. This band describes themselves as a mix of influences from The Beach Boys, Grizzly Bear, and Animal Collective. This is Layercake. It was recorded by Bill Burke and his Layercake Studio in LA with help from James McInnes of The Color Group, the label on which is was released at the end of 2011.

I can definitely see all the aforementioned influences. The harmonies are very Beach Boys-esque, the chilled out grooves are totally Grizzly Bear influenced, and the ambient tones are very Animal Collective.

These dues are playing a show at Long Wong’s in Tempe on January 20^th with Instructions, Tugboat, and Japhy’s Descent. You should make it out! Then, they’re having a record release show in Phoenix on February 21^st at Rhythm Room.

“Take Time” is my favorite track on the album. It’s a little bit of a dance rock jam. I could totally listen to this riding my bike to class and feel like a champion. Be sure to check this band out. If you’re in the area, go to a show. If you’re not, go to their Bandcamp.