Sibling duo Brad and Courtney Shanks started Blood on the Wall with an obvious yearning for the glory days of early alternative rock. Brad’s vocals are all Frank Black warbly spazz, and there’s a catchy-but-wreckless aspect to the breadth of their catalogue. The group gained quick notice by being cited as peers and touring mates of fellow Brooklyn artists like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. But their sound on their 2004 self-titled debut quickly evolved from its funky, Minutemen-inspired roots into something with more intensity, dirge, and bite. Unfortunately, by the time that metamorphosis was complete on 2008’s LIFERZ, the band was readying for an indefinite hiatus.