Pilfers formed in 1997, when former Toasters vocalist, Coolie Ranx joined with former Bim Skala Bim trombonist, Vinny Nobile. To complete the lineup, they recruited the Skinnerbox rhythym section of Anna Milat-Meyer, on bass and James Blanck, on drums, as well as guitar player, Nick Bacon, of The Erratics. The band released one demo tape and played many New York area shows, before self releasing their debut, self-titled album, in 1998. Response was positive enough