Bobby Darling and Nic Newsham, both devoted to punk rock, absorbed the melodic revival style of bands such as Lagwagon and Propagandhi before electing to launch a project of their own. They brought in bassist Kirk Huffman and drummer Dustin McGhie, forming Gatsbys American Dream with the goal of building a rock group. Working alongside producer Aaron Sprinkle, the members laid down Why We Fight during spring 2002 ahead of its summer appearance on Rocketstar. Advancing beyond straightforward fast punk, GAD resurfaced in July 2003 with Ribbons and Sugar, an expanded, indie-leaning concept album rooted in George Orwell’s Animal Farm. Drummer McGhie exited amid the sessions, opening the drum chair for Rudy Gajadhar, previously of Waxwing. The EP In the Land of Lost Monsters arrived the following year via Chicago’s LLR Records. The Gatsbys then moved to Fearless and issued Volcano in April 2005; this second concept album took loose inspiration from the prideful Roman city of Pompeii, twice leveled by volcanic activity. Listeners embraced the record, which triggered extensive touring, among them early 2006 support dates with the Starting Line, Copeland, and Cartel plus a coast-to-coast headlining run that spring. Keyboardist Kyle O’Quin was formally added to the lineup during those travels. Bypassing the Warped Tour, the band paused for needed downtime over the summer, after which their searing self-titled album surfaced in early August.
