In the tradition of
the Posies and
Teenage Fanclub,
Army Navy crafts energized, melody-driven blasts of power pop. Vocalist
Justin Kennedy launched the group upon his move to Los Angeles, having left Seattle after playing alongside
Ben Gibbard (the future frontman of
Death Cab for Cutie) in the band
Pinwheel. With the help of bassist Benjamin Gaffin and guitarist Louie Schultz,
Kennedy began shopping his new material around California, eventually piquing the interest of producer
Adam Lasus. The group decamped to
Lasus' studio to record The Fever Zone with iconic drummer Pete Tomas (of
Elvis Costello & the Attractions fame) serving as a temporary drummer. Missouri native Douglas Randall climbed aboard upon the album's completion, allowing the group to play shows alongside
the Arctic Monkeys and
Wolfmother in support of the record. ~ Andrew Leahey, All Music Guide