Wichita, KS

Based out of Wichita, Kansas, Christian alt-rockers Abandon Kansas (a play on the phrase "a band in Kansas") released their eponymous debut EP independently in 2005. The ensuing years saw the group, which featured the core lineup of Jeremy Spring, Brian Scheideman, and Nick Patrick, honing their chops regionally and independently issuing two more EPs (Exactly What We Needed, Minutes) and a well-received full-length (You Build a Wall, I'll Build a Ladder) before inking a deal with tobyMac's Gotee Records in 2009. Gotee released the EPs We're All Going Somewhere (2009) and Abandon Kansas (2011), as well as a sophomore long-player, Ad Astra per Aspera, in 2011. 2014 saw the band signing with post-hardcore unit Emery's BC Music label and issuing their third full-length outing, Alligator, the following year. ~ James Christopher Monger