 The group began as an early post-hardcore band, similar to Louisville, Kentucky, groups such as Slint and June of 44.Formed as a trio in 1995 by Brian Case, Cayce Key and Chandler McWilliams, it released its first 7" single in 1996 entitled, "Taking Apart the Vessel".Robert Lowe joined the group in 1997 on trumpet and vocals but later moved to bass guitar when McWilliams departed.