rxghost

PRESS

A sold-out RecordBar showed up to bask in the glow of Shiner, RxGhost, & Lafayette. (Too Much Rock)

Describing the quintet's sound is a lofty undertaking. Elements of brit pop and shoegaze combine with off-kilter alt rock to create songs that are both heady and heartfelt. Big hooks dominate the songs and seem simplistic from a distance, but like a Paul Signac painting, step a bit closer and you see RxGhost's art is actually the culmination of a million little choices. The band features four guitars, each working in a different register and leaving space for the next. This allowed songs to feel big without being oppressive. Even when the band opted for density (in a song like "Over and Over the Same Things"), the result was a comforting weighted blanket, not a noise rock pummeling. If there were a band you needed to hear to understand, this would be it. I prescribe listening to the band's just-released album Scaffolding on vinyl to feel all that analog glow, and then catching the act live 1-2 times a month until hooked.

Kansas City Alt-Rockers RxGhost Doomscroll the Consumer Feed in Their Video for “Sponsored Content” (POST-PUNK.COM)

Their latest track, Sponsored Content, confronts the paradoxical relationship we have with the devices in our hands and the humans at our side. Sponsored Content is buoyed by a shimmering rhythm section, Smead’s energetic bass dancing deftly beneath layered guitars that recall the pop-inflected jangle of The Cure at their most playful and Deerhunter at their most introspective. Yet beneath its bright exterior, the band illuminates darker truths.

RxGhost Release “Sponsored Content,” a Haunting Pop Anthem on Digital Disconnect (BLOOD MAKES NOISE)

“Sponsored Content” balances jangly guitar lines with an undercurrent of tension, crafting a sonic space that feels both nostalgic and immediate. Bright melodies cut through atmospheric layers, creating a push‑pull between intimacy and distance. The song’s lyrical focus—quiet observations of digital fatigue and emotional disconnection—lands with striking clarity.

Kansas City, MO's RxGhost Unveil “Sponsored Content”: A Haunting Pop Anthem for the Disconnected Age New Single + Music Video Out Now. (FIREWORKS MAGAZINE)

Wrapping existential dread in a sparkling pop shell, “Sponsored Content” evokes the spirit of The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven” while grappling with what it means to be “alone together.” Vocalist Josh Thomas sets the tone with the opening line: “Even the dullest setting on that light's too bright / Some of us are trying to sleep,” hinting at the omnipresence of digital noise in our most intimate spaces.

RxGhost Redefines Shoegaze with Mesmerizing New Single "Anytime But Now" (Stargazer Music Magazine)

Kansas City's RxGhost have been redefining the landscape of Shoegaze and Post-Rock, crafting a sound that combines immersive atmospheres with deep emotional resonance. Their music delves into complex layers of texture, weaving ethereal melodies with walls of distortion to create a sound that feels expansive yet deeply personal. "Anytime But Now" is a masterclass in tension and release, weaving hypnotic repetition with eerie intimacy. The track unfolds in layers of shimmering guitar interplay between Jeremiah James and Josh Thomas, anchored by the relentless yet nuanced rhythm section of Justin Brooks on drums and Chris Smead on bass. Produced by the band and mixed by Shiner's Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound studios, the track's sonic clarity enhances its haunting emotional weight. Atmospheric yet urgent, it's a striking statement from a band that thrives in the space between beauty and chaos. This single won't gather dust in any collection, and will keep heads bouncing and feet tapping from sofa to stage. So why not clear a space, and give RxGhost a try for 2025.

Star Rating 9/10 - Ian Davies, International Music Journalist

Watch Video | Stream Single | Buy on Bandcamp | Official Store

Strange Currency's Best Local/Regional Music of 2024 (KMUW)

RxGhost's 'Scaffolding' earned its place among Strange Currency's best local/regional releases of 2024, showcasing the band's ability to craft immersive sonic landscapes that are both innovative and emotionally resonant.

RxGhost Release Epic New 7" Single "Anytime But Now" b/w "Undersaid" (The Whole Kameese)

"RxGhost returns in all their melodic glory with 'Anytime But Now,' a new 7″ single that explores the psychological territory between awareness and action. The Kansas City quartet's latest offering examines the peculiar comfort found in self-destructive patterns, whether chemical or emotional – that space where you recognize something isn't good for you but can't seem to break away... 'Anytime But Now' from RxGhost, checks all the boxes of a true musical experience. A hauntingly and melodic track, 'Anytime But Now' is good for the ears and the soul. The track showcases the band's ability to craft expansive soundscapes through the interplay of Jeremiah James and Josh Thomas's guitars, anchored by the precise rhythm section of Justin Brooks on drums and Chris Smead on bass. Recorded by Thomas and mixed by Shiner's Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound Studios, the song weaves atmospheric textures through subtly shifting time signatures and unconventional structures... The single is backed with 'Undersaid,' a more subdued B-side that offers a balancing counterpoint. Where 'Anytime But Now' builds into post-rock chaos, 'Undersaid' offers a more minimal, atmospheric companion piece. The physical release is a handmade, numbered edition of 77 copies, cut on a vintage mono Presto 1D lathe head from a 1950s radio station... 'Anytime But Now' from RxGhost is an absolutely stunning track that can't be missed."

Bridge Exclusive: RxGhost - 'Scaffolding' Album Premiere

“Scaffolding” is the debut full-length effort from Kansas City band RxGhost. A sprawling 13-track record that spans shimmering shoegaze, darkwave pop and dissonant post-punk, it’s a cathartic listen that the band aptly describes as “sorrowwave.”

For RxGhost Founder, Music Is The Best Medicine (KMUW)

Drawing influences from shoegaze, dream pop, and post-punk, RxGhost has carved out a unique space in Kansas City's music scene with their atmospheric and introspective sound. The band's latest album 'Scaffolding' serves as a testament to resilience and musical exploration.

Review: RxGhost's album 'Scaffolding' (Rock At Night)

'Scaffolding' showcases RxGhost's evolution as sonic architects, masterfully constructing layers of reverb-drenched guitars, propulsive drums, and ethereal vocals. Each track on the album builds upon the band's foundation of atmospheric post-punk while pushing their sound into new emotional territories.

Too Much Rock 04/26/2024 Show Review

Familiar post-rock themes (an appreciation of space, crescendos that build only to dissipate, washes of atmospheric sound, layered guitars) abound, but with RxGhost, they're packaged into digestible and pleasant songs. This is a band that deserves a bigger spotlight in Kansas City's rich music scene.

RxGhost's "Candles:" A Defiant Anthem Against a Rigged System (Moosic Entertainment)

Musically, "Candles" is a tour de force. The passionate vocals convey a deep sense of urgency, cutting through the dreamy haze of ambient guitars that swirl and build, creating a soundscape that feels both expansive and intimate. The rhythm section deserves special mention for its ability to ground the track, providing a steady pulse that drives the song forward, even as the guitars and vocals soar.

In "Candles," RxGhost has crafted a powerful anthem for our times—one that resonates with anyone feeling the weight of a broken system but still holding onto the hope of creating something beautiful in the midst of it all.

RxGhost Ignites With 'Candles' Video, Unveiling A Dark And Dreamy Vision From New Album 'Scaffolding' (Blood Makes Noise)

With 'Candles,' RxGhost demonstrates their mastery of blending shoegaze textures with post-punk urgency. The track builds with haunting intensity, revealing layers of sonic complexity that reward repeated listening. The video's shadowy aesthetic perfectly complements the band's evocative soundscape.

Kansas City Shoegaze Band RxGhost Share Emotive New Video for 'Candles' (Living Life Fearless)

RxGhost continues to establish themselves as a formidable force in the modern shoegaze revival. Their video for 'Candles' pairs visually striking imagery with the band's signature wall of sound, creating an artistic statement that resonates emotionally and sonically.

RxGhost - Candles (Sound Kharma)

Kansas City-based RxGhost crafts a mesmerizing blend of shoegaze and dream pop on their single 'Candles.' The track's swirling guitars and hypnotic rhythm section create an immersive experience that pulls listeners into their atmospheric world.

Too Much Rock 03/21/2025 Show Review

The project is led by vocalist/guitarist Josh Thomas. He's tall, thin, and on this night, wore some sort of off-brand Muppet pajama pants. His wild graying hair is the only thing distinguishing him from his Generation Z kids. The rest of the quartet lined up as Jeremiah James (guitar), Chris Smead (bass), and Justin Brooks (drums). None of them were as outwardly eccentric, but we've all got our secrets. New single "Anytime but Now" started the set and laid out the blueprint. Most compositions were built on Thomas' rhythm guitar and his distinctive scratchy whine. Smead added melodic leads throughout the night, his head bouncing the time signature. Brooks played tight rhythms often built on little more than snare and hi-hat. This was in stark contrast to the expansive lead guitar of James that added lyrical leads steeped in post-punk. I surely missed some details, but I recall the audience becoming entranced by the moody gaze of "Over and Over the Same Things," and then later being reenergized by the bombastic indie rock of "People Are Animals". A cover of Nirvana's "Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle" filled the room with noise and nostalgia. It's purely conjecture, but I'd wager that Thomas chose the cut as it aligns with his own views of the entertainment industry and its victims.

Pitch Interview

The lush, sweeping track showcases their ability to create a powerful post-punk anthem while tackling themes of frustration with systemic issues.

POST-PUNK Video Premiere for "Candles"

The enigmatic Kansas City shoegazers RxGhost have unveiled a video for their anthemic new song 'Candles.' With the intensity of post-punk and dreamy shoegaze aesthetics, RxGhost's new single reflects on the broken systems we're forced to navigate.

POST-PUNK.COM Scaffolding EP write-up

Featuring the previously released singles 'Candles,' RxGhost's 'Scaffolding' EP blends shoegaze textures with post-punk urgency, creating a soundscape that's both emotionally resonant and atmospherically rich.

Too Much Rock 02/23/2024 Show Review

The band's mix of dreamy shoegaze, alt rock, and UK-leaning indie creates a sound that's simultaneously familiar and fresh. Its compositions are driven by the interplay of sweeping atmospheric guitars, rock-solid rhythm, and vocals that seem to float above it all.

Too Much Rock 12/07/2023 Show Review

RxGhost delivered a stellar set of shoegaze and atmospheric rock that resonated throughout the venue. The band's ability to create textured soundscapes while maintaining melodic focus showcased why they've become an essential part of Kansas City's music landscape.

Too Much Rock 11/11/2023 Show Review

The quintet's sound is a swirling mix of shoegaze, dreampop, and post-punk with just enough indie rock to hook listeners. Four guitars build layers of reverb-drenched melody while varied percussion adds dimension to the band's expansive sonic palette.

Too Much Rock Podcast #663

Featured on Too Much Rock Podcast #663, RxGhost's music stands out with its immersive shoegaze textures and compelling songwriting, earning them recognition as one of Kansas City's most exciting emerging acts.

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UPCOMING SHOWS

09/27/2025 at hillsiders (KCK)

10/10/2025 at miniBar (KCMO)

11/15/2025 at auntie mae's (manhattan)

11/22/2025 at lucia (lfk)

PAST SHOWS

08/07/2025 at miniBar (KC)

04/11/2025 at the replay (LFK)

03/21/2025 at Hillsiders (KC)

10/05/2024 at recordBar (KC)

09/21/2024 at barleycorn's (Wichita)

08/02/2024 at recordBar (KC)

07/20/2024 at miniBar (KC)

06/03/2024 at recordBar (KC)

04/28/2024 at Cafe Berlin (Columbia)

04/27/2024 at CBGB (STL)

04/26/2024 at The Brick (KC)

02/23/2024 at miniBar (KC)

02/17/2024 at kirby's (Wichita)

12/07/2023 at miniBar (KC)

11/24/2023 at Replay Lounge (Lawrence)

11/11/2023 at miniBar (KC)