The hardcore punk outfit the Distillers first came together in late 1998 when Aussie native Brody Armstrong met bassist Kim Chi at work and realized their love for playing. Soon they hooked up with Detroit guitarist Rose Casper and drummer Matt for an angst-ridden rage familiar in the pioneers before them: Smith, the Plasmatics' Wendy O. Williams, and the Circle Jerks. Add a little U.S. Bombs and Rocket from the Crypt and the thirsting punk rock soul fronting the Distillers is pretty obvious. Signed to Epitaph, the band issued their self-titled debut in April 2000. Sing Sing Death House appeared the same year, but was re-released in early 2002 thanks to the sudden popularity of "Seneca Falls". By now, Kim Chi had left the group to join Exene Cervenka in her band, the Original Sinners. Ryan Sinn stepped in to replace her; Matt departed to join Chi while Casper left during the height of "Seneca Falls". By summer 2002, The Distillers were composed of Armstrong, Ryan and new drummer Outbreak; joint American dates with No Doubt andf Garbage were planned for later that fall. Drummer Andy Granelli and guitarist/vocalist Tony Bradley joined the Distillers in time for the recording of their third album and major-label debut Coral Fang, which was released in 2003 by Sire. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide