In October 1998, the band released the "Boys + Girls" EP, which contained the two tracks "Tell Everyone We're Dead" and "Best Looking Boys". These two tracks showcased the band move in a more pop-oriented direction. In March 1999, the band performed new material during a few shows, leading up to their European tour that April. Following that stint, the group began recording their next album "Very Emergency", at Inner Ear Studios in Washington, D.C. J. Robbins would return as producer of the new album, but production credit was this time split between Robbins and the band. Robbins, Jenny Toomey and Smart Went Crazy member Hilary Soldati made guest appearances on the album. The recordings were mixed at Smart Studios, before they were mastered by Alan Douches at West Side Music. The sessions resulted in an album which moved much more towards power pop than emo, much like its predecessor "Boys + Girls".