Low Red Center was originally a studio project of Chad Allen (Zom Zoms, Mutating Meltdown). Two of the tracks from those studio sessions made it onto the Quasitropic Dexadreams cdr compilation of Austin bands. The project soon evolved into a small band, adding Isaac Lyles, Jason Chronis (Voxtrot, Belaire, JC & Co.), and Matt Lacomette (Oblong Boys, Aunt's Analog, Instincto Records). This unit performed a couple shows before Isaac moved away. Subsequent performances (which were very theatrical early on, with bizarre costumes) added new members; Erich Ragsdale, of Oblong Boys and E-Squared, and Seth Nemec, of Zom Zoms and Medio Mutante, were early core members. Yasmine Kittles (Tearist) was invited to do vocals for a while and later, Deena Hyatt (NanoBangBang, Gayle Gold) and Christine Aprile (Psychic Violence, Silent Diane) became dual vocalists.

The object of Low Red Center is an exercise in improvisation and communication. Surprising themselves as musicians by experimenting and discovering on stage, in front of an audience. Restraint and listening is their approach. A dedication to succinct presentation prevents unwanted jamming and convinces the audience that what they are performing are practiced, pre-written songs. The sound they have in mind is minimal and somewhat alien, with a vague film noir feel. This tension is frequently broken with a faster, more jagged post-punk approach. Typically instrumentation in the live setting consists of drum machines, synthesizers, bass, guitar, and saxophones--but it often varies.

The recordings present a studio translation of Low Red Center's live principals, but with the luxuries of production embellishment and craft. Everything is performed (no sequencing) on analog synthesizers, acoustic instruments, and electric guitar and bass. All the drum machines were actual individual organisms, breathing with them in the studio--nothing was sampled and rearranged. No computers were used. John French is the studio member of Low Red Center. His collaboration in production is essential to the recorded output.