In 2004 the emo-pop band Self Against City was snatched up by Drive-Thru Records (they were the first to ink a deal with the label's subsidiary Rushmore Records) just five months after the quintet formed in Sacramento. Comprised of vocalist Jonathan Michael Temkin, guitarists Jeff LaTour and Jack Matranga, bassist Patrick O'Connor and drummer Chris Trombley, Self Against City released their demos online and impressed Drive-Thru co-owner Richard Reines when he happened to take a listen. The band played a showcase for the label and eventually signed in late 2004, releasing their first EP, Take It How You Want It, the following year. Self Against City instantly spawned comparisons to the Early November and Mae and went on tour with label mates Houston Calls to support Take It How You Want It. In 2006 Self Against City stepped in the studio with producer Steve Haigler, known for his work with the Pixies and Brand New, to record their debut full-length for Rushmore. The album was complete that June but O'Connor and Trombley left Self Against City before the January 2007 release of Telling Secrets to Strangers. The current incarnation of Self Against City features Black Abbey on bass and Justin Barnes on drums, and although the band is in the midst of deciding on a new label (a bidding war has undoubtedly ensued,) they announced on their website that new music will be released shortly. Emo fans of this melody-driven, heart-on-their-sleeves band can't wait to hear what's next for Self Against City.