Led by guitarist/vocalist Nicholas Halpern (aka Nathan Halpern), the Flesh also included keyboardist Gabriella Zappia, bassist Jason Binnick, and drummer Greg Rogove. The New York City quartet specialized in the kind of slithering, dance beat-infused art punk that had become a genuine indie rock trend in the early 2000s with the success of groups like the Rapture and the Fever. After debuting in July 2003 with the Death Connection EP for Kanine, the Flesh jumped to Gern Blandsten for the Sweet Defeat EP, issued almost exactly a year later. The releases were well-received and, coupled with a buzz for their sweaty live shows, built anticipation for the Flesh's self-titled full-length, which appeared via Gern Blandsten in October 2004. Touring over the next two years found the band on stages alongside Hot Hot Heat, Death from Above 1979, Radio 4, Pretty Girls Make Graves, Man Man, and many more. This activity led nicely into the eventual April 2007 release of their sophomore effort, Firetower, which featured new drummer Peter Angevine. ~ Johnny Loftus