Dearestazazel originated in Atlanta, Georgia, where opera-trained vocalist, keyboardist, and guitarist Peter Felix Armstrong joined forces with Ricardo Melendez on drums and vocals, Jesse Greene handling guitar and vocals, and Johnny Ray on bass. Drawing from the sounds of Blue Öyster Cult, the Cure, and the Faint, the group merged a solid rock base with intense electronic elements. Right after assembling in early 2006, the band hit the road extensively, completing 100 performances across the southeastern United States while also putting out their debut album Come Closer that same year. In the beginning of 2007, they expanded their reach with a tour through the northern states and issued the EP Touch Me under the production of Chris Unck. This release caught the attention of Brad Fischetti, the proprietor of One Eleven Records, leading him to offer the band a contract due to his admiration for their distinctive style. Their initial release on the label, Be Mine, came out in 2008.
