Originating in St. John's, Newfoundland, the Novaks formed their brash, boozy rock band in 2002 with vocalist/guitarist Mick Davis, guitarist Chuck Taylor, bassist Mark Neary, and drummer Elliot Dicks. Drawing from the Rolling Stones and the Faces—the latter whose keyboardist Ian McLagan would later appear on the group's sophomore release—the band refined its approach through performances in regional bars. Their self-released album broadened their reach in 2005 after multiple tracks gained notable airplay on Little Steven's radio program. Captivated by the Novaks' blend of retro traditions, Little Steven arranged an American reissue of the album on his Wicked Cool Records imprint. Chuck Taylor departed the group shortly thereafter, prompting the remaining members to continue as a trio; they quickly entered the studio and completed 2009's Things Fall Apart within a week.
