After the split in 2006 of Kenn Jankowski's then primary band the Golden Republic, he rekindled a friendship with fellow Kansas City musician, Adam McGill, bonding over their common loves of pure pop and electronica. In no time, the duo started the Republic Tigers--named after the mascot of Jankowski's high school--and recruited drummer Justin Tricomi, guitarist/keyboardist Ryan Pinkston, and bassist Marc Pepperman. With lush arrangements featuring samples and gurgling digitalia coupled with taut indie rock rhythms and honeydripping harmonies, the quintet brought an experimental streak and a love of classic pop in equal measure. Signed to Atlantic imprint Chop Shop, the band were a breakout indie success of the late '00s on the infectious strength of their first self-titled EP and debut full-length, KEEP COLOR.