Two songs heard on their purevolume.com page, recorded acoustic on a local radio show, also later appeared on Small Steps, Heavy Hooves.

Small Steps, Heavy Hooves, the band's debut album, was released on February 6, 2007 on Equal Vision Records.

He finally gave in and Marquard quickly found PJ Waxman, who initially, started out playing drums for the band until they realized what a talented guitar player he was.

Joel received a phone call from an old friend and former bandmate named Chuckie Duff who played bass and had recently bought some recording equipment that he wanted to try out.

The decision was made to make an album famed Arizona record producer, songwriter of The Go Reflex and former keyboardist of The Ataris, Bob Hoag.

Near the album's completion, the band started talking to, and eventually signing a contract with the popular indie label, Equal Vision Records.

Marquard left the band in September 2007 due to the heavy touring schedule and Robert Cissell was an obvious choice to replace him.

It was due to Waxman wanting to pursue solo projects and Metzger feeling burnt out carrying the majority of songwriting duties.

[6] In early 2007, around the time Small Steps, Heavy Hooves was released, Dear and the Headlights toured on an opening slot with The Plain White T's, Boys Night Out and Lovedrug.