Seattle pop/rock act Forgive Durden first got together in 2003, led by vocalist/guitarist Thomas Dutton. Wanting to get more serious with his songwriting, Dutton soon found kindred musical spirits in schoolmate/ba**ist Jesse Bauer and drummer Andy Mannino. The trio debuted in September 2004 with its independently released seven-song EP, When You're Alone, You're Not Alone. After the addition of second guitarist Thomas Hunter to the lineup, the quartet hopped on the road in support. Forgive Durden ultimately caught the eye of Fueled by Ramen, inking a deal with the label by the end of 2005. Recording once again with producer Casey Bates, their conceptual label debut, Wonderland, surfaced the following May. The album was a social commentary on the world of capitalism, greed, and corruption metaphorically built around the fictitious Wonderland. Various tour dates with bands like Panic! at the Disco, the Matches, and Gatsbys American Dream followed before Forgive Durden joined the summer's Warped Tour. ~ Corey Apar, All Music Guide