Drummer Ryan O'Connor and bassist Joe Lussa formed the core of punk-pop/emo hybridists the Audition in 2003, working with a revolving cast of early members to hone the band's sound and perform the material live. After recording a demo and playing shows with other Chicago-based acts like the Academy Is..., the Audition signed with Victory Records and issued a debut album, Controversy Loves Company, in September 2005. By that point, the band's lineup had shifted to include O'Connor, Lussa, guitarists Seth Johnson and Timmy Klepek, and vocalist Danny Stevens, all of whom hit the ...