Post-hardcore outfit Enter Shikari formed in Hertfordshire, England in 2003. Founded from the remnants of the group Hybryd, the original lineup was comprised of vocalist Rou Reynolds, guitarist Liam "Rory" Clewlow, bassist Chris Batten, and drummer Rob Rolfe. In June 2003 Enter Shikari issued the demo EP Nodding Acquaintance, which they sold at gigs and via their website. The success of two additional self-released EPs, Sorry, You're Not a Winner and 2004's Anything Can Happen in the Next Half Hour, further developed their growing fan base and cemented the band's decision to go it alone, rejecting the overtures of major labels.

As Enter Shikari continued their relentless live schedule, they also embraced the social networking website MySpace, in 2006 securing a spot on the Gibson/MySpace stage at the annual Download Festival. That same summer, the group founded its own record label, Ambush Reality, and issued the digital-only single "Mothership." At year's end, Enter Shikari were just the second unsigned band to sell out the famed London Astoria.