[3] The Darcys, who obtained their name from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, first began as the two-piece project of Jason Couse and Wes Marskell in Etobicoke, Ontario which gradually transitioned into a full band in Halifax, Nova Scotia with the additions of Dave Hurlow and Kirby Best.
[5] This brought about the solidification of the current four-piece lineup: Jason Couse, Wes Marskell, Michael le Riche, and Dave Hurlow.
On losing Best and adding Couse on vocals, Marskell notes, "We became really close friends because of it, and it also made us willing and able to work through things that came up later down the line that became publicized and were difficult for us internally.
[9] As Marskell mentions, the choice to cover the entire album "existed solely to redirect conversation" surrounding the band's self-titled release.
[10] The release gained much criticism for recreating an album that "cannot be duplicated or reinterpreted", while also receiving praise for being ‘compelling’ and bringing out the ‘dark-hued’ nature of the lyrical content.
A mini documentary was made by Adrian Vieni of Wood & Wires Productions, discussing the decision to re-imagine the album with interviews and live footage.
[14] The 10-track album features artwork done by Toronto artist/graphic designer Sara Cwynar, as well as production from Tom McFall (Stars) and mixing from previous contributor, Dave Schiffman.
[15] Six music videos have been released to accompany the tracks ‘Pretty Girls’, ‘Itchy Blood’, ‘The River’, ‘Hunting’, ‘The Pacific Theatre’ and ‘Horses Fell’ from the album.
[16] The band was turned on to the idea when the Toronto District School Board intended to cut its musical programs, in addition to receiving countless messages from young fans who were unable to attend their mainly 19+ shows.