The Majestic Theatre”s website invites you out for a potluck of emo, pop and punk with treats provided by The Get Up Kids. The event”s tagline boldly claims that TGUK are “The biggest thing to come out of Kansas City since Robert Altman or barbecue.” But more specifically, TGUK is the best band to come out of Kansas City ever.
With the release of Eudora, which spans six years of 7″s, EP”s and other trappings of “broke and undiscovered” rock, the Kids pack the van once again for their first headlining tour in over a year. TGUK have spent most of recent memory opening up for Green Day and Weezer, serenading the arena theatre world.
True, the Kids of late have increased their pop sensibilities. The brash punk of 1997″s Woodson seems almost immature when compared to the deft melodies of Something to Write Home About. But, in TGUK”s case, the pop polish has actually resulted in shine, and not gloss. Think Bleach to Nevermind, as opposed to Pinkerton to The Green Album.
But the Kids truly belong in a smaller venue. Big enough to hold their devout fan base, yet intimate enough to retain those echoes of friendship, break-up and make-up that characterize their music. In accordance with emo law, most of the songs are about intimacy and personal relationships. Let no one deny it, girlfriends are very capable muses. But unlike most emo bands, TGUK”s songs are so tightly conceived, so layered with intelligence and sensitivity that the arrow hits the bull”s-eye every time. That is, your cold and jaded heart will have no chance. The butterflies will storm your ventricles and flutter in your loins. And you will sing along, even if you don”t know the words to “Anne Arbour” or “Out of Reach.” And you will be smitten. Oh yes Cupid will definitely be in the house.
But emotional sensitivity is not all that will appear. The most identifiable trait of a TGUK show is fun. The Kids are just foot tapping, teeth-clicking fun. Frontman Matthew Pryor and his perfect pitch share the stage equally with the rest of the band like it”s a bunch of friends jamming together in their basement. James Dewees” spastic piano and Jim Suptic”s quick drum fills are both amazing and hilarious to watch. The entire band participates in the playing of the show and compels the audience to sing along and just have a good time.
So get yourself, your friends and definitely your girl or boyfriend down to the Majestic, Sunday at 7 p.m. to share in all this love. Look for songs from their upcoming album, especially “Wish You Were Here.” Despite the clichd title, the song is a sweet lullaby in the tradition of “Valentine,” and “My Apology.” Indie-rock darlings The Anniversary and Appleseed cast are the opening acts. Tickets are $15, and the show is all ages.