The last time Ames saw Kansas-based band Ultimate Fakebook, the band was dressed like characters from “Austin Powers” for a Halloween show at the Maintenance Shop.

Saturday, fans can see what the group really looks like — as long as the band doesn’t get lost on the trip here.

“We are all horrible drivers,” drummer Eric Melin said. “We were doing a show in Memphis and we had no idea what the address of the club was or even the name of the street it was on. So we took the first exit, took one left turn and there it was, right in front of us.”

About two years ago, vocalist/guitarist Bill McShane and bassist Nick Colby quit their bands and decided to form a band together.

At the time, Melin was in another band called Truck Stop Love. The group had toured for a while and even made a video, but regardless of its success, Truck Stop Love broke up.

“As soon as they heard we broke up, Nick and Bill jumped on me to become their drummer,” Melin said.

So the Ultimate Fakebook sound was formed and recorded an album titled “Electric Kissing Parties.”

The band’s second album is finished and in the mixing and artwork stages. The final product will be ready within the next few months, and will target college audiences.

“We want to be able to follow up all the clubs and colleges we have played in the past,” Melin said.

Since the band has been together for awhile, its musical chemistry has improved since its freshman effort.

“I think this new album is better,” Melin said. “It is heavier than the last one, not as many slow songs.”

Ultimate Fakebook brings to the table an exceptionally catchy pop sound influenced by the likes of Cheap Trick, The Replacements and Guided by Voices.

“When we record, we spend a lot of time on our songwriting and we make sure that you can hear every little part of the songs,” Melin said. “But when we play live, we are hard and loud. I would say we sound like Foo Fighters without all the riffs when we play live.”

Since Ultimate Fakebook is from Manhattan, Kan., the band has had to undergo the struggles that come with starting out in a small town.

“We are very stubborn about being from Manhattan,” Melin said. “We look forward to the challenge of becoming a big name.”

One advantage to being a Midwest band is the fact that the Midwest is centrally located.

“The Midwest is really great to play in,” Melin said. “We love playing in Chicago and always love to play anywhere in Iowa.”

Another positive thing about being a Kansas band is that musically, Ultimate Fakebook kicks the crap out of other bands in its area.

In 1998, the band won four Klammies (Kansas City Lawrence Area Music Awards) for best Alternative Rock Band, Band of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year.

The group also won the Discmakers Independent Music World Series competition for best band in the Midwest.

When the band takes the stage with House of Large Sizes Saturday, Ultimate Fakebook will be feeling a little added pressure since H.O.L.S. is one of its favorite bands.

“We know we are going to have to play good because when H.O.L.S. take the stage we know they are going to kick our asses,” Melin said. “They have a real solid and loyal following, and we are just starting to build ours.”

Following the release of its second album, Ultimate Fakebook plans to leave the Midwest in April, tour the East Coast for a few months, and follow up on some record label talk the band has heard about.

“That would be great if some label wants to throw some money at us,” Melin said.

Ultimate Fakebook will warm the crowd up for House of Large Sizes Saturday at the Maintenance Shop at 8 and 11 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students and $6 for general admission.