Victoria, British Columbia based Hot Hot Heat have been through several incarnations in their short rise to prominence in the Canadian indie scene. The band's early work was as a keyboard / bass / drum combo and featured vocalist Matthew Marnik. By the time the band had signed to Seattle's Sub Pop records in late 2001 the group had reformed with keyboardist Steve Bays taking over vocal duties and guitarist Dante DeCaro joining. The band's post–punk sound was inspired by early Cure, XTC, Elvis Costello and the frenetic energy of early new wave. Guitarist DeCaro gave the band an angular guitar sound reminiscent of Gang of Four or Fugazi. The success of their 2002 album Make Up The Breakdown scored the group a major deal with Warner Brothers.

Guitarist DeCaro left the band prior to their major label debut Elevator to join Montreal's Wolf Parade.