The Bronx formed in Southern California in 2002 and signed to major label Island after less than twelve live shows. If that alone didn't guarantee controversy, the band includes James Tweedy and Joby J. Ford, both former employees of large indie Vagrant Records.

For their debut, the band worked with indie Ferret and enlisted former Guns 'n' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke as producer.

Rather than quickly release their major label debut, the band spent a few years touring and their Island debut is due out a full four years after they signed to Island and spent the intervening time working on a number of projects including the Social Club 7–inch series, their own White Drugs label and side projects like the Drips.