The band frequently dealt with dark, apocalyptic themes ranging from the Book of Revelation (Breathing Machine) to the Columbine High School shootings (Blackcoats/Whitefear).

[1] Former band members have since formed Sweet Knives as a self described reboot of Lost Sounds, after Reatard's death in 2010.

The title of the album was inspired from an incident where Jason "Panzer" Craft from The Persuaders said, "You guys are like black metal and new wave," with both of the genres' names being combined into "Black-Wave".

During the tour, the group started including occasional fourth member Patrick Jordan, who would play bass for the band.

[2] After touring, they began production on their third studio album Rat's Brains & Microchips (2002), which was recorded digitally at Tronic Graveyard.

Its release helped advance Lost Sounds' popularity, with an increased income in tours and merchandise.

In London, Reatard developed drinking problems and got into physical and verbal altercations with Trout and Crook, leading to a sudden turmoil in the band.

[3][2] After the band's breakup, Reatard went on to achieve a successful career, with Blood Visions (2006) and Watch Me Fall (2009) through In the Red, Fat Possum, and Matador Records.

However, it was cut short when he died in his sleep from cocaine toxicity on January 2010, with alcoholism being a contributing factor to his death.