In 2001 the indie rock quartet the Forecast first formed in Peoria, Illinois, featuring Dustin Addis on vocals and guitar, Rhys Miller on drums and vocals, Jared Grabb on guitar and vocals, and Marsha Satterfield on bass and vocals. Drawing from their working-class origins as well as bands such as Braid, Rainer Maria, and the Get Up Kids, the group made their recorded debut in 2003 with the Proof of Impact EP on the Illinois label Thinker Thought Records, an effort produced by A.J. Mogis of Bright Eyes and Cursive renown. Through performances alongside Planes Mistaken for Stars, Hey Mercedes, Liars Academy, and Ultimate Fakebook, the Forecast gradually built recognition across the Midwest.
An early 2004 split single with Montana’s 1090 Club followed, yet a sweeping lineup overhaul soon left Addis as the only original member. The band reformed with the arrival of Shannon Burns on bass and vocals, Matt Webb on guitar and vocals, and Tony Peck on drums. Returning to the studio with Mogis, they completed the EP Relationships Ruin Friendships, issued in February 2005. That same month the group signed with Victory Records, which released their label debut Late Night Conversations three months later, again under Mogis’s guidance. A busy touring schedule ensued, including an appearance at the March 2006 SXSW Festival.
The Forecast next enlisted producer John Naclerio, whose credits include Brand New and My Chemical Romance, to shape their sophomore album, the Southern-tinged In the Shadow of Two Gunmen, which arrived in late May. Spring support dates for labelmates June preceded early-summer headline shows with Socratic and Mashlin.
