If there is one challenge that most bands would like, it’s opening for a major-caliber group like Kiss. Outhouse is primed to meet that challenge by delivering the only type of thing music fans crave for: rock ‘n’ roll.

Outhouse was formed in October of 1994 by three men from Kansas City. Bill Latas (vocals and guitar), Brad Gaddy (bass and backup vocals) and Shawn Poores (drums) threw some stuff together and practiced for two weeks before playing their first show.

“We decided to form a band,” Latas said, “because making music is something we enjoy and would like to continue doing. I can’t remember wanting to do anything else. All I want to do is continue playing music and making records.

“It wasn’t a matter of having any set plans,” Latas said. “We wanted our band to be a three-piece because it is much easier that way. We didn’t have a real need for another guitarist, it works well with the three of us. The chemistry is perfect.”

That perfect chemistry is evident on the group’s debut album, Welcome. “I would describe the recording as aggressive, melodic and hopefully meaningful to people,” Latas said. “We wanted it to be a good time with some substance underneath. After all, it is rock ‘n’ roll.”

The band sold demo tapes for the two years preceding Welcome, which has done really well in sales since its release three weeks ago. However, the band has no immediate plans to begin recording again.

“We want to stay on the road,” Latas said. “Touring is always something that I wanted to do. Kiss had a lot to do with that, I’ve always been turned on to Kiss. The spectacle of watching them in concert took me over.”

Latas said touring with Kiss is like a dream floating around. “I get to perform myself, which is great because I find a certain release through music. I’m looking forward to getting started on the tour.”

Outhouse will postpone its decision on when to start recording again.

“It depends on how well this record does and how long we want to stay on the road,” Latas said. “It is impossible to tell. However, we do want to be cautious of avoiding the sophomore slump.

“It seems that beginning bands release great first albums and then their second one is never as good, it never lives up to expectations. We don’t want that to happen. We want our second album to be excellent.”

But the pressure of releasing a solid follow-up to the debut CD isn’t nearly as immediate and pressing as the band’s current tour with the gods of rock, Kiss.

“I was really surprised that we got the job of opening for them,” Latas said. “We had to lobby for it just like everyone else did. Our label submitted us and Gene and Paul listened to our CD and liked it. So, they gave us the job.”

Latas and his band mates hope that Kiss’ die-hard fan following enjoys them as well.

“They will be glad they came out to see us,” Latas said. “There is an entertainment value to our band. We play at a high energy level with a lot of spontaneity.

“We’ve been improving our skills of turning on an audience and we’ve progressed to the point where we are going to rock their world.”