In 2000, the band released their first album, the instrumental Lights At Night, which included a post-rock sound that would become much less evident in the group's future efforts.
Built out of parts of various great bands and artists, it shines like a brand new artifact" (link).
In January 2005, The Hong Kong went into the studio to record with Ric Ocasek of The Cars producing.
That Ocasek took the band under his wing was evidenced by their backing him up at live shows, such as a September 2005 performance at CBGB.
The video featured Culpepper with Dean Wareham (Luna / Galaxie 500) as Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow.