set out to form another band

In 2002, Russ Rankin found himself ill-at-ease with the situation of his other band Good Riddance . The band did not play frequently, and Rankin wanted to tour more. He set out to form another band that would be more active and that would pursue his drug/alcohol-free aesthetics and lifestyle. When Russ was in the Blasting Room with Good Riddance to record Bound By Ties of Blood and Affection , he asked producer Bill Stevenson – drummer for punk bands Black Flag , Descendents , and All – to be the drummer in his new project. The band recorded a five-song demo in 2003, which they sent out to labels. In the February 2004, the band worked on new material and recording more demos to send to prospective labels. They played their first show on February 15, 2004, at the Starlight in Ft. Collins, CO. They were signed to Fat Wreck Chords by April 2004. They played some shows with Dropkick Murphys in April and May, and played on some Warped Tour dates that summer. Their debut album, To the Nines , was released in July 2004.