Blending rock, post-punk, jazz, and pop, indie rock outfit Colossal formed in late 2001. Intricate without being overbearing or difficult, the Elgin, IL-based quintet began playing shows in the spring of 2002 before Asian Man released their debut EP, Brave the Elements, in January 2003. Touring followed before serious writing began for the band's first full-length. Original bassist Jeff Feucht left the group in early 2004 to concentrate on teaching; Eli Caterer (Smoking Popes) joined on to finish the album alongside drummer Rob Kellenberger (Slapstick, Tuesday), singer/guitarist Patrick Ford, and trumpeter/guitarist/singer Jason Flaks. Welcome the Problems was issued in September 2004 with Neil Hennessy (the Lawrence Arms) officially joining the group after having sat in as a second drummer since the band's first tour. Chris Perrin (Seedy Sea Controversy, the Heavens) also replaced Caterer prior to embarking on a brief East Coast tour. Ford, Kellenberger, and Flaks next helped Asian Man Records owner Mike Park record his second solo album, North Hangook Falling, in early 2005. Colossal got back on the road during the year, touring with the Alkaline Trio and Mike Park; Flaks departed that fall and Eli Caterer returned in his place, this time on guitar. The Smoking Popes then reunited in December 2005, taking the attention of Caterer and Kellenberger away from Colossal; Hennessy and the Lawrence Arms released a new record and toured at the beginning of 2006. Consequently, Colossal went on hiatus.