From the ring-back tones of "Don't Worry Baby" on guitarist Chris Sheehan's phone to the band's signature three-part harmonies, it is evident The Beach Boys have made an impression on indie-rock group Johnny Action Figure.

Performing at 7:30 tonight at SoZo, 256 E. Beaver Ave., the group will bring its music to the stage along with opening acts Hopes High and North of Nittany.

Johnny Action Figure was formed when its members were in ninth grade back when Johnny Action Figure seemed like the "coolest name in the universe," Sheehan said. The band is composed of Sheehan, guitarist Brendan Fullam, bassist Chris "CF" Fullam and newest member drummer Brad Rittle.

The group has also been influenced by artists such as Elvis Costello, Steely Dan, as well as current bands My Morning Jacket and The Hold Steady, Sheehan said. He added it is the patent sounds of The Beach Boys that give them the most inspiration.

But Johnny Action Figure is not "some hippie band," Sheehan said. "We really treat our vocals as an instrument that is just as important as the guitar."

Sheehan, Class of 2007, said playing in State College is like coming home.

"We played in State College a few times last summer, but it's been a year since we last played here," he said. "We'll get to reconnect with the scene."

North of Nittany's Patrick Breen remembers the first time he saw Sheehan and guitarist Fullam perform an acoustic set when he was a college freshman. He said he was so impressed by them he picked up the band's recording and approached Sheehan after the show.

While North of Nittany has never played with Johnny Action Figure before, it is something the groups have been working out for a while, Breen said.

"They have some really great songs, and it's refreshing as musicians to see another band getting out there and taking the time to express themselves musically," Breen said. "They do it well."

For Johnny Action Figure fans, this performance will be different because 70 percent of the set will be new material the band hopes to release in late 2008.

"This represents the future of [Johnny Action Figure] and the audience will definitely walk away with a sense of where we are right now musically," Sheehan said.

Being able to perform their new material live has also helped Johnny Action Figure shape the songs into what they are today, Sheehan added.

Sheehan describes the band's music as "falling backwards into a pile of love."

"With us, it's positive vibes all around," he said. "We want our fans to have a good time while listening."

This may be why audience members might find themselves in the band's next homemade video, which Johnny Action Figure creates during each live performance. Sheehan said because the band makes a point to build relationships, audience participation is a major factor.

Whether it's dealing with friends, clubs, or fans "we believe in treating people musically and personally the way we'd like to be treated," Sheehan said.

SoZo coordinator William Snyder encourages all to come out, adding it's shaping up to be a good show.

"The group is a really positive fun band. Come out and enjoy a pleasant experience," Breen said. "What else are you going to do for two hours?"