Its last known lineup before the breakup in 2011 included Michael Pitt as vocalist and guitarist, Reece Carr on drums, Willie Paredes on bass, and Chris Hoffman on cello.
Ten (including a bonus track) were eventually chosen and Pagoda's eponymous debut album was released in early 2007.
It was announced through the band's official website that the new lineup included Willy Paredes on bass guitar, Chris Hoffman on cello and Reece Carr on drums.
The Gnawa play deeply hypnotic trance music, marked by low-toned, rhythmic sintir melodies, call and response singing, handclapping and cymbals.
Following the cult success of Last Days, the sampler was leaked onto the internet and eventually offered for free on the band's official Myspace page.
It received generally positive reviews in the media, with Spin Magazine praising lead single "Lesson Learned" as a "grungy-around-the-edges rumbler on which Pitt growls momentarily about self-medicating with aneurysm-inducing aplomb.
The songs were recorded live in the studio (except for overdubs which were added later) and were documented by a crew of cameramen and photographers who filmed the band in high definition.
The April sessions were also documented on the band's official Myspace blog in which it was stated that "The new material has a decidedly eastern feel to it, incorporating everything from Arabic, Japanese and African rhythms.
"[4] The blog also revealed several of the new song titles including "Sahara", "Drop D", "Native American" and "Blood Crosses".