The Girl Is a Ghost

Despite living in a region known for stylistically inept emo-pop bands, the Girl Is a Ghost (pictured) writes charming pop-rock songs without any contrived, wussy-born-of-cornfields lyrics. The band, which has been together for about three years, owes its sound to artists such as the Pixies and Elvis Costello and also to Buddy Holly and just about any catchy group from the early years of rock. What’s more, Girl spent a week last September in Oakland, California, recording its debut full-length for Australian-based label Baria Records — home, most famously, of the Heavenly States. The new polish of studio production serves to accentuate the raw melodies and bouncy rhythms on songs the band has been playing over the past year, such as “Oh Caroline!” and “You’re No Scientist.” KC audiences shouldn’t miss this opportunity to witness the way this band forces ’50s and ’60s sounds to coexist with the sarcasm of contemporary kids, especially in the intimate setting of this house show.