In the tradition of the Posies and Teenage Fanclub, Army Navy crafts energized, melody-driven blasts of power pop. Vocalist Justin Kennedy launched the group upon his move to Los Angeles, having left Seattle after playing alongside Ben Gibbard (the future frontman of Death Cab for Cutie) in the band Pinwheel. With the help of bassist Benjamin Gaffin and guitarist Louie Schultz, Kennedy began shopping his new material around California, eventually piquing the interest of producer Adam Lasus. The group decamped to Lasus' studio to record The Fever Zone with iconic drummer Pete Tomas (of Elvis Costello & the Attractions fame) serving as a temporary drummer. Missouri native Douglas Randall climbed aboard upon the album's completion, allowing the group to play shows alongside the Arctic Monkeys and Wolfmother in support of the record.