St. Rangers

Through gently rollicking rhythms and heartfelt melodies, St. Rangers paints vignettes of lost eras, hometown fables, and antique-store nostalgia. Drawing upon the poignant simplicity of Gillian Welch, the shoulder-punch familiarity of John Prine, and the multilayered harmonies of I'm With Her, the band delivers songs that fit like a well-worn glove.

Founded by Garret Nasset of Anoka, MN, and Rachel Bearinger of Oelwein, IA, the quartet coalesced from the vibrant Minneapolis-St. Paul songwriter scene. After meeting at the first-ever Twin Cities Songwriter Rounds, Nasset and Bearinger have gradually assembled their musical community since 2020. The pals frequently convene at Nasset’s woodshop, a well-known local hotspot for intimate live performances and good hangs. The tranquil, tactile nature of Nasset’s woodworking practice can be felt deeply in the material of St. Rangers—each song feels as personal as one of his heirloom hand tools. Through its evolving lineup, the band’s collaborative spirit has remained unmissable.

Like old friends around a campfire, these spotlight-sharing songwriters trade off storytelling duties with grace. They make room for one another, allowing Nasset’s earnest twang and Bearinger’s formidable fast-picking skills to take respective turns at the center of attention. Atop Olivia May’s low-end foundation, Josh Peterson soars into the stratosphere on his hand-built five-string viola. Crafted with the precision of a chisel, the band’s arrangements lock into place with satisfying comfort.

[Bryn Battani]