The Nervous Return
They are also known for the diverse and eclectic bands they shared the stage with including Autolux, Hella, Imperial Teen, Har Mar Superstar, Electric Six, xbxrx, 400 Blows, The 88, The Make-Up, Trans Am, The Used, and Enon.
The band broke up in April 2006 and reformed in 2018. the Nervous Return was formed in the spring of 2000 by Jason (guitar/vocals), Anthony Crouse (bass/vocals) and Greg Gordon (drums).
The band featured Jason dressed as a gothic transvestite who frequently spit fake blood and simulated vulgar acts on-stage not unlike Marilyn Manson.
The band was an independent self-promoting DIY machine that plastered Los Angeles with fliers for upcoming shows and their self-titled EP.
The group was notorious for wheat-pasting large black and white posters displaying a creepy country road with menacing dying trees on either side and the name "twig" typed in lowercase letters across the top.
[1] The cover art, coupled with the lyrics and intense music, was conceived by the band to comment on the illusion of Hollywood excess, the idiotic search for fame and fortune, and the depression that often occurs when those fantasies go unrealized.
On August 24, 2003, the band was invited to play the Sunset Junction Street Fair, an annual event that takes place in Silverlake, Los Angeles, California.
The line-up that day included the Nervous Return, Silversun Pickups, Earlimart, The 88, Midnight Movies, Rilo Kiley, The Dandy Warhols, and Autolux.
The addition of guitarist number seven, Shane Gallagher, synchronized with the immediate success of the European release of Headshots on one of Germany’s most credible independent rock labels, Nois-o-lution records.
gave Headshots 4 "Ks" calling it "a flashing Day-Glo explosion of twisted pop intellect that manages to challenge without ever losing sight of an infectious and melodic hook.
"[2] The album was very well received by critics and fans alike in Europe and the band embarked on a six-week club tour in early 2005.
The album sold much better in Europe than in America as the band spent its sixth week on tour supporting pop-punk act Blink 182.
A string of seven sold out dates gave the band the chance to play some of England's finest venues including Wembley Arena and Hammersmith Apollo.
As the band struggled to find support slots on upcoming tours without the help of a booking agent, they played locally in Southern California throughout the winter of 2004 and the spring of 2005.
The album did not sell well and the excitement grew into apathy as the band realized they were witnessing the soft demise of their high hopes.
This quiet five-month decline affected the band negatively as they had built a heated momentum the past 10–12 months culminating with the release of their first album.
The band did not have much money and frequently slept on fans' floors when they weren't all sharing two double beds in one Motel 6 room.
Eager to breathe new life into the band, they convinced producer Joe Barresi to record their second album after hearing rehearsal demos of their new songs.
In an effort to continue with their DIY attitude before signing with La Salle, they self-booked another nationwide tour with Seattle band, The Cops.
La Salle pressed an EP from the 144 Hours sessions and 500 7" singles on white vinyl for the song "BAD GIRL" b/w "Snow In Berlin".
The legalities of the contract were difficult to maneuver and with Shane now part of Travis' new band, personal feelings and relationships became stressed.
