In 2002 the quartet the Slow Signal Fade formed with a sound rooted in space rock and dream pop. Christy Greenwood played drums, Chris Walters handled bass, Marguerite Olivelle sang, and Ron Ulicny contributed guitar. The members' shared affinity for My Bloody Valentine, This Mortal Coil, Swervedriver, and the Cure made the decision to start a band feel instinctive.
The Kindling EP became their debut release in 2003. For six months the record appeared on Amoeba Music's Top Ten Indie Sellers List in the group's home city of Los Angeles. The songs "Willing" and "Song About a Pessimist" also aired during episodes of MTV's The Real World: San Diego.
Shows at Ladyfest Seattle and the yearly CMJ Music Marathon in New York City took place in 2004 and came before the second EP, Through the Opaque Air. Christy Greenwood exited the Slow Signal Fade at that point; Memphis native Aaron Vishria joined as the new drummer. Two years later the band issued its first full-length studio album, the Steve Albini-produced Steady.
100 ThievesKindling E.P. · 2003Kindling E.P.4:10
That's A Long Way DownSteady · 2006Steady6:23
BackstrokeThrough The Opaque Air · 2004Through The Opaque Air7:39