After touring extensively to support "Something to Write Home About", the band was looking to depart from their high-energy powerpop style in lieu of a slower, more mellow sound. In 2000, vocalist/guitarist Matt Pryor moved to Boston, Massachusetts, and drummer Ryan Pope moved to Los Angeles, California. As a result, the members only saw each other when they embarked on tours. After a US tour in October and November, the group began working on a new album. By the end of the year, they had managed to fit in ten rehearsals, writing eight songs in the process. Their goal was to write 30 songs, which they plan to whittle down to 12. Following this, the group received a number of tour offers that they accepted, such as opening for Weezer and Green Day.