Music is a science. Since music's existence it has evolved consistently, taking form of many noises, reflecting different attitudes, and distinguishing eras. Songs, in a sense, are our way of recording and studying life (aka biology), and overtime they're just records of how we perceived and documented different situations. Break it down even further, songs and their structures are all formulas (and by this point recycled formulas) while instrumentation, notes, rhythms, harmonies, and words are all the numbers we plug into said formulas, trying to achieve new results. Chemistry (and probably the most important factor) is the glue which binds it all together. It's what gives us this natural energy to play, our charisma and quirkiness, musicianship, (and aside from great songwriting), it is what would go make bands such as The Ramones and Descendents iconic and staple institutions within punk rock. The year was 2012, and Braceface would be given the objective to record their first full length album. If their album was great, then Dr. Parasite would sign them to Kid Tested Enterprises (which was a promotion from their current level in the Guild of Pop Punk). The Braceface division had worked hard for their first few years testing noises, perfecting formulas, and their team leader, David, would stop at nothing to achieve this promotion. March would see Dr. Parasite meeting the Braceface division for the first time, (and drinking most of Mitch's Vodka all to himself). The first experiments began May of that year, and would be supervised and overseen by Dr. Parasite with Marty of the Kill Lincoln division assisting and engineering. Rhythm tests began, but the project would shortly find that there was no bonding between this particular combination of producer and band. David's colleagues were astonished to find he had tweaked some of the formulas (per Dr. Parasites suggestion) and argued that they nix their current supervisor and start over. David argued that the formulas needed these revisions and the project continue on schedule. That summer saw to a divide between the band, and as for the project, it had become a tug-a-war for David (and there was no compromising). David, (regretfully) chose to continue the project with or without his colleagues, and under its current supervision. Daniel (Braceface's former Beat and Rhythm Analyst) would return from college and help out for the second session of experiments. Dr. Parasite would aid in bass rhythm tests and eat Subway sandwiches. The sessions ran smoothly, but David still had one formula ("Stupid Songs") that was giving him trouble, and insisted he could not rush solving it. They concluded tests for everything but "Stupid Songs" vocals, and failed to meet the deadline Dr. Parasite had originally issued. Disappointed with the results of the experiments, David temporarily shut down the Braceface division and was convinced this project would not see the light of day. It would be over this time former colleagues Mitch and Andrew would form a new division. Andrew would show his true colors, and the project would disband. David took this opportunity to apologize to Mitch, both knowing perfectly well the problems that occurred were a combination of bad communication and their former supervisor. Unclear of the future of Braceface, David invited Mitch and Daniel to play a one-off show that December. The following months would see to some new formulas (not "Stupid Songs") being tested, completed, and documented digitally and on wax. Motivated again, David began getting the Braceface division up and running again, but knew he needed a stable team along his side. After watching "Josie and the Pussycats" for the first time, everything made sense. A silly (but incredibly insightful) movie, it spoke the words he needed to hear: "Friends first, band second", never forget them. March rolled around, and shortly after, everything fell into place. "Stupid Songs" was completed and Braceface played two shows (the second being a reunion with their former colleague, Nick, before he moved to Fort Wayne). It was shortly after David asked Mitch and Daniel to rejoin the Braceface division. Both accepted, under the condition Parasite would no longer be involved in their operations. Everyone could not agree more. Braceface began the process of rebuilding itself, David pulled Braceface out of the tour with Parasites that summer, closed the door to signing with Kid Tested, and thus they self released this very album! Music takes commitment (just like many other things in life). Similar to the scientific method, you have to be prepared to fail, figure out areas of improvement, and start over. However, unlike science, the final product of a musical endeavor is all talked up to opinions. Sometimes failure is out your hands, and you have no control over someone else's opinion. They like what they like, and you play what you play. But...you do have control over many other things. Your signature song writing, your commitment to your goals, your integrity and will to continuously improve, and the amount of fun you and your fellow band mates chose to have. All of which (and more) are factors that go into what every band needs, chemistry. Sure, gaining new fans and maybe even signing to one of your dream labels is part of the fun, but you tend to succeed when you let go of trying to impress everyone, be yourself, and focus on having a fun time with your friends. It's that shameless feeling of playing for the pure love of music that will go a long way, and no one can take that away from you.