The band was formed in Sacramento, California in 2005 by guitarist Will Swan, drummer Matt Mingus, and bassist Eric Lodge.

After the release of Downtown Battle Mountain, guitarist Sean O'Sullivan left the group, and was replaced by Zachary Garren.

He was replaced by Kurt Travis, who performed clean vocals on the band's self-titled second album.

After the release of Downtown Battle Mountain II on March 8, 2011, the group agreed not to disband.

Beginning in May 2019, the band began releasing instrumental versions of their studio albums, working backwards from Artificial Selection.