KS + lo-fi = Minus Story

We should all be thankful for Kansas. It's true! This looked-over state has given us some great entertainers: Kirstie Alley, Wilt Chamberlain, Charlie Parker, Elvira Mistress of the Dark, Melissa Etheridge (is her hairstyle still resembling mine?) and Bob Dole. But my favorite Kansas band is not named after the state. It's actually Minus Story.

This quartet from Lawrence is unique and refreshing. Their self-produced sound captures the excitement and courage that is so often missing from more mainstream "safe" recordings. They call their sound the "Wall of Crap" and I couldn't disagree more. Yes, it sounds at times "messy" and you're not sure if the band is coming unglued in certain spots. But the soothing organ and rhodes beds that support most songs is even more pleasing once the band settles down and comforts the listener, giving you the feeling "Everything is ok sonically... for a minute at least."

The songs are full of great textures and optimistic vibes without being too saccharine. Though the crashing cymbals often rise above the mix higher than I'd like, the vocals swirl together with the guitars to create hypnotic and genuinely pleasing lo-fi pop songs. There are dark corners to be visited, but MS doesn't choose to live there. I appreciate this balance. They've been likened to Microphones and even Neutral Milk Hotel (there you go, Amy) and would probably be appreciated by those who like This Is A Long Drive For Someone With Nothing To Think About-era Modest Mouse.

Their newest record, No Rest For Ghosts, will be released October 11th on Jagjaguwar.

From Heaven And Hell:

Time Wastes Itself (mp3) - Minus Story

From The Captain Is Dead, Let The Drum Corpse Dance:

You Were On My Side (mp3) - Minus Story

Upcoming release No Rest For Ghosts:

Little Wet Head (mp3) - Minus Story

Knocking On Your Head (mp3) - Minus Story