The Bronx's swaggering interpretation of hardcore punk found them a quick audience in Los Angeles, where guitarist Joby J. Ford, bassist James Tweedy, vocalist Matt Caughthran, and drummer Jorma Vik founded the band in 2002. Known for a blistering live show, the quintet attracted attention from major labels after only a handful of performances. An offer from Island/Def Jam materialized after the Bronx's 12th gig, but the band decided to issue several recordings on their own label, White Drugs, before partnering with a major. Former Guns n' Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke helped the Bronx compose an intense rock sound for their first demo, and the band's full-length debut appeared in August 2003 via the Ferret Records label. Three years later, a second self-titled album marked the band's first effort for Island Records, and the band supported its release by joining Priestess, the Riverboat Gamblers, and Wires on Fire on the WHODOYOUVOODOO Tour.