The Longcut formed in Manchester in 2002 while attending the University of Manchester. Originally a four-piece, their vocalist left soon after the band started and the remaining members intended to make purely instrumental music. In 2003 their experiments with cheap drum machines led to a new sound and their unusual stage setup (with original drummer Stuart Ogilvie alternating between live percussion and vocals). The band's original sound and energetic live performances brought them to the attention of the record industry in 2004