James Mitchell, started out with a guitar and four track digital recorder, plus a knack for writing songs that balance dark complexity with great pop hooks. Eric Schlueter, drummer, jack-of-all-trades, and a fixture on the local scene, had recently returned from active military duty when he met James. After discovering their mutual love of writing and playing music, the duo decided to start a band.

Shortly thereafter, James met Matt McDonald in a notoriously shady south Kansas City bar. The ...