Preview: The Get Up Kids @ Emo's [Wednesday]

Kansas City’s The Get Up Kids formed in 1995 and fast became an integral part of the emo movement that captured many a heart in the latter half of the decade. Chock-full of enduring melodies and introspective lyricism, the band’s seminal recordings (full-lengths Four Minute Mile and Something To Write Home About, and the Woodson and Red Letter Day EPs) positioned them at the forefront of a genre that has inspired much of today’s rampant pop-punk scene. Sure, “emo” was originally utilized to refer to hardcore bands in both the ‘80s and the early ‘90s but after the music world got a taste of Weezer’s Pinkerton as well as artists such as The Get Up Kids, Jimmy Eat World, The Promise Ring, and Texas’ own Mineral, the use of the term shifted to signify a slightly softer side of punk -- a mainstream-ready, pop-friendly sound marked by poignant tales of personal plight. You could probably blame thank attribute much of the Warped Tour’s 21st century roster to the lingering effects of The Get Up Kids’ heyday and the influence of those aforementioned albums.

The Get Up Kids disbanded following 2004’s Guilt Show and the ensuing tour, and logically, the members moved on to pursue newer projects. However, they reunited in late 2008, and this past September, the band released the “10th Anniversary CD+DVD” edition of Something To Write Home. The package contains a code to download seven demos that will surely take one back to the heady days of 1999; the bonus DVD includes live footage, behind the scenes action, and all the sweet emotion a Get Up Kids fan could desire. This evening, catch the band live at that little ol’ venue on Sixth Street called, wait for it, Emo’s -- get your tickets here or try your luck below.

[The Get Up Kids MySpace]
[Kevin Devine MySpace]
[Mansions MySpace]