after the band recorded and released their eponymous debut ep in 1998, gerber left the band and was replaced by dave gardner, a local recording engineer and former member of impetus inter. gardner created the alter ego of the loveably clueless, stereotypical frenchman sammy g. after a number of lengthy tours, the band released their ep south then west. the selby tigers eps and touring ethic caught the attention of southern californian punk label hopeless records, who signed the band in early 2000. in the spring of that year, hopeless records released a 7" teaser single for their lp charm city, which followed later that summer. the band toured with the alkaline trio, the anniversary, and rocket from the crypt.