In a meeting with Brummel, he claimed that Thursday was not living up to his expectations, with the band's statement explaining: "Instead of Tony's relationship with us being based on a love for music, it was based entirely on numbers." However, by late 2001, Brummel began showing more concern for the band and called more frequently regarding sales. They soon learned that Brummel planned to sell part of Victory to MCA and, as Thursday's contract only allowed them to leave Victory for a major label, began reciprocating new-found interest from prominent labels. By early 2002, the decision to join Island was made as MCA began promoting "Full Collapse" as their own, and Thursday found itself in a legal battle with the label. Rickly would later note: "When we parted ways with Victory, we got our asses kicked. [...] Victory's lawyers were so strong."