In May and June 2003, the band embarked on their first headlining tour of the US in five years. Throughout the year, the band debuted several new songs. In October, the band disembarked to Los Angeles, California to record their next album, staying at Julia Roberts' former home in Beverly Hills. The sessions where held at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, and Chalice Studios in Hollywood, with the proceedings being co-produced between Nick Raskulinecz and the band. They worked with Raskulinecz at the recommendation of Andy Gill from Gang of Four, who told Wheeler he "got the best drum sound he’s ever heard" from using Raskulinecz.