Golden State frontman, guitarist, and primary songwriter James Grundler was best known for his previous work with Paloalto, a melodic alt-pop group often referred to as an American version of Radiohead. After reaching some success, partially due to the fact that their song "Breathe In" received airtime on MTV's Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County and partially due to some positive words in the press from Elton John and Bono, Grundler and bassist Tommy Black left the band to start a new project. The two met up with fellow Los Angeles musicians Fern Sanchez (drums) and Robb Turres (guitar), and in 2006 they recorded the Splinter's Out EP with the assistance of Grammy-winning producer John Shanks. ~ Jason Lymangrover