North of America formed in December of 1997 after the break-up of State Champs and the Motes. With members of each departed band collaborating together, the Halifax-based quartet brought on their pop-punk hooks with a complex arrangement of math rock and Chapel Hill-influenced indie. Matlock Records debuted North of America's first EP Elements of an Incomplete Map within six months of their formation. The following year, the band followed up with the album These Songs Are Cursed, again through Matlock. ~ Mike DaRonco, All Music Guide