The first incarnation of indie rock quartet the Forecast came together in Peoria, IL, in 2001, comprised of Dustin Addis (vocals/guitar), Rhys Miller (drums/vocals), Jared Grabb (guitar/vocals), and Marsha Satterfield (bass/vocals). The bandmembers took inspiration from both their blue-collar roots and acts like Braid, Rainer Maria, and the Get Up Kids. They debuted on Illinois' Thinker Thought Records in 2003 with the Proof of Impact EP, produced by A.J. Mogis (Bright Eyes, Cursive). Playing shows with the likes of Planes Mistaken for Stars, Hey Mercedes, Liars Academy, and Ultimate Fakebook, the Forecast began carving out a name for themselves around the Midwest.

An early 2004 split with Montana's 1090 Club appeared next before the group underwent a drastic lineup change that left Addis as the only remaining member. The Forecast were soon made whole again, however, with the recruitment of Shannon Burns (bass/vocals), Matt Webb (guitar/vocals), and Tony Peck (drums). The newly minted band returned to the studio with Mogis to record their February 2005 EP, Relationships Ruin Friendships. Signing that same month to Victory Records, the Forecast released their label debut, Late Night Conversations, three months later, produced again by A.J. Mogis. Much touring ensued after the album's release, including a performance at March 2006's SXSW Festival.

The Forecast next hooked up with producer John Naclerio (Brand New, My Chemical Romance) to record In the Shadow of Two Gunmen, their Southern-tinged sophomore effort, which appeared in late May. Spring dates supporting labelmates June followed before the early summer was spent headlining shows on the road with Socratic and Mashlin. ~ Corey Apar, Rovi