While still working on material the band signed with record label Thrill Jockey, which released their first song "Make It Happen".
They then entered Chicago's Clava studios with producer Brian Deck to begin recording their debut album.
[1] In June 2002, after Rosario returned to Chicago from his father's funeral in Las Vegas, he and Deck spent what has been reported as 500 hours in the studio putting the finishing touches to their debut album Dekkagar,[1][3] which was released on April 9, 2002.
The National Trust's debut album Dekkagar was released on April 9, 2002 by Thrill Jockey Records to generally positive reviews.
While most reviews were favourable, most commented on the over production of the overall sound; Clearly, these boys can't grasp the concept of "say when" from Pitchfork Media.