"rival factions" was released in june 2007 and peaked at no. 124 on the "billboard" 200, the band's highest debut to date. the record sold 6,000 copies in the first week and was well received by critics, who made favorable comparisons to duran duran, billy idol, and the killers. the band proceeded to tour with labelmates mxpx, showbread, and sullivan on the summer "tooth & nail tour". a performance also took place at the annual christmas rock night event in ennepetal, germany that december.