Volatile post-hardcore outfit Dance Gavin Dance deliver thrashing, emo-leaning anthems performed over the years by a frequently shifting lineup anchored by stalwarts Will Swan (lead guitar, vocals) and Matt Mingus (drums). Signed to Rise Records since their 2006 debut, the Sacramento-based band steadily climbed the charts over a series of albums until mainstream success found them in the mid-2010s. Ten years into their career, 2016's Mothership landed at number 13 on the Billboard 200 with its 2018 follow-up, Artificial Selection, performing nearly as well at number 15. The lineup responsible for these later standouts remained stable and Dance Gavin Dance headed into their next decade with 2020's Afterburner.

Dance Gavin Dance maintained a steady ascent of the Billboard charts and their sixth album, 2015's Instant Gratification, made it all the way to number 32. This set the table for a successful tenth anniversary tour later that year. Dance Gavin Dance’s tenth studio album, Afterburner; saw a number of returning guests, including Andrew Wells, Strawberry Girls' Zachary Garren, and Veil of Maya's Marc Okubo. They also released a follow-up to their 2016 live album in Tree City Sessions 2. Wells, who had served as a guest and touring member, was officially inducted into the band in 2021.