Following on from his previous band Random Task, Ben Jorgensen taught himself guitar and later recruited additional members to form Armor for Sleep.

With some buzz, and the addition of manager Gabe Saporta, the band recorded their debut album with Ariel Rechtshaid at two studios in California: El Barrio in Van Nuys and Standard Electrical in Venice Beach.

Dream to Make Believe was released on June 3, where it was met with a generally positive reaction from music critics, with some finding it a highly enjoyable listen.

"[1] Before Jorgensen started college, he spent the preceding season writing material and taped two songs ("Dream to Make Believe" and "Slip Like Space") at a local studio in August 2001.

[4] In April 2002, it was rumored that the band would be releasing their debut album through independent label Equal Vision Records later in the year.

[8] Musically, the sound of Dream to Make Believe mixed space rock in the vein of Hum with emo pop in the style of the Get Up Kids.

[9] Comparisons were drawn musically and lyrically to Jimmy Eat World and Further Seems Forever,[10] while Jorgensen's vocals were compared to Legends of Rodeo frontman John Ralston.

[3] DeCicco said they were attempting to differ themselves from their contemporaries with the space rock sound, they "wanted to almost bring like Thursday meets Radiohead and put it somewhere in between, and just kind of give it a little more.

[13] In the midst of recording the band went through membership changes, with drummer Nash Breen and guitarist PJ DeCicco, both of whom were cousins of Jorgensen and members of Prevent Falls, joining shortly at the end of August 2002.

[6] In March and April, the band toured across the US with Northstar, This Day Forward, and Breaking Pangaea,[18] leading to an appearance at Skate and Surf Fest.

They were supported on select dates by Time and Distance, the Working Title, Stars Hide Fire, Vise Versa, Emanuel and Lance's Hero.

In Music We Trust writer Vinnie Apicella opened his review by calling it "an amazing record" by "talented musicians".

The release set itself apart from other works by its thematic choice; it saw the group incorporate "edgy and quick minor chording technique accentuated by mild harmonic runs, lingering resonance, and Ben Jorgensen's thoughtful croon.

"[36] AllMusic reviewer Kurt Morris said the release "showcases another band partaking in the propagation of the emo movement" with "slight variations have been made to the sound so as to distinguish them" from their peers.

[9] Punknews.org staff member Megan said only the pre-release demos our the only highlights on the album, with the rest being "a slow drudge of songs that don't really evoke any emotion."