recording began in august 2001 in the band's echo canyon studio in new york city, following their final "nyc ghosts and flowers/goodbye to the 20th century" tour. the first release of material from the sessions was the song "plastic sun", on a promotional cd included with an issue of "jane" magazine. however, due to an error in the pitch, the band re-released the song on their website. recording sessions reached an unexpected halt on september 11, 2001 following the terrorist attacks, as the band instead led a trade center benefit festival on october 9. several other benefits and gigs led them to their rescheduled march 17, 2002 appearance at the all tomorrow's parties festival in los angeles, california. by then, recording and mixing for the album was complete and all seven tracks (first revealed on the band website) were played at the festival. the new material was hailed as a return to the style of distorted and complex instrumentals that made the band underground favorites.