With their ’97 Doghouse records debut, Four Minute Mile, Kansas City’s The Get Up Kids‘ punk/pop–chock full of hooks and memorable bits–got the attention of indie rock/emo fans. Despite sniffs from the majors, the band has emerged as a shining example that the DIY ethic still pays off. Starting with basement tours and graduating to supporting slots, TGUK notched up more than 200 shows in ’98 and flirted with a Mojo records deal. Instead, they released their third full-length, Something to Write Home About, on their own Heroes and Villains label and signed a deal with Santa Monica’s Vagrant records. They also bulked up–sonically speaking–by adding a keyboard player. (They’ve been a five-piece since ’99.) Often compared to the Promise Ring and Superchunk, TGUK, who are just now in their early 20s, write lyrically clever, emo-flavored modern rock, delivered in lead singer Matt Pryor’s warbly treble. After a series of overseas dates this summer, including the prestigious Reading Festival, TGUK bring their well-oiled, tourin’ selves to the Cat’s Cradle this Friday, Sept. 29. Jebediah, Anniversary and Koufax fill out the bill. Tickets are $8; call 967-9053. —Angie Carlson
