While in the studio, Burns also began talks with drummer Preston Nash of Dope with whom Primer 55 had previously toured.

[5] Whereas the band's major label debut, Introduction to Mayhem, boasted strong hip hop tendencies, (the) New Release demonstrated a broader variety with bluesy vocals, saxophone, and piano scattered throughout.

"[6] Vocalist Jason "J-Sin" Luttrell remarked in 2001 that "During the writing and recording period, we never listened to the radio or watched MTV because we didn't want any outside influences creeping into the songs.

Promotion was allegedly cut short by Island, forcing the album's success to rely heavily on touring.

In October 2002, bassist Kobie Jackson was asked to leave the band due to "personal and creative problems."

[10] However, despite debuting on the Billboard 200 and selling 15,000 copies in its first week, Island allegedly cut support for the album merely two months after its release.

"[4] A music video was also allegedly in the works for "This Life," but in September 2001, Burns defused this claim, lamenting, "I have no idea what's going on with our label.

"[6] Allmusic's Michael Gallucci criticizes the album, declaring, "Plenty of other bands do this stuff a whole lot better and with much more conviction.