Newbury Park, CA's Hotwire included guitarist/vocalist Rus Martin, guitarist Gabe Garcia, bassist Dan Hartman, and drummer Brian Borg. The four came together after playing in various metal, punk, and hardcore combos throughout high school. As Hotwire, the sound became riff-heavy metal with vocals and dynamics influenced by post-hardcore types like Refused and Quicksand. The band recorded a few demos, and began playing shows throughout the suburban sprawl of Southern California alongside bands like Incubus