After self-releasing two EPs, Japandroids signed to independent Canadian label Unfamiliar Records.

Pitchfork awarded 'Best New Music' to both the album and lead single "Young Hearts Spark Fire", helping to expose the band to a large audience outside of Canada.

[1][2] Japandroids were subsequently signed to Polyvinyl, who re-released the album worldwide on August 4, 2009.

[3] Many of the un-included tracks that the duo had written for the album were later recorded and released in 2010 as series of limited edition 7" singles.

[5][6] The album was released to widespread critical acclaim, appearing on many year-end best-of lists.