Challenger

Dave Laney, guitarist for Milemarker, began introducing heavier and more punk-driven material during the group’s rehearsals, yet the other members quickly recognized that these compositions clashed with the band’s established approach. Milemarker favored expansive structures, whereas Laney’s pieces centered on concise three-minute rock songs. Bassist Al Burian, however, found the new direction appealing and proposed developing the material separately with Laney. The pair soon enlisted drummer Timothy Remis, allowing the growing set of songs to coalesce as the repertoire for a distinct group called Challenger. Laney and Burian view Challenger not as a side project but as a parallel band capable of existing alongside Milemarker. Jade Tree issued the outfit’s first album, Give People What They Want in Lethal Doses, in early 2004.