Shortly thereafter, he married Roby Newton (from the band Milemarker), and reorganized Cex as a three-piece: Kidwell, Newton, and Cale Parks (from the bands Joan of Arc and Aloha).
Following extensive touring in 2000 and 2001, alongside bands like Engine Down, Milemarker, Ted Leo and The Pharmacists, and El Guapo, bassist Borlik was dismissed in November 2001.
In 1998, the band took an extended hiatus when Ringo relocated to Seattle and the remaining members went on to form Engine Down, The Rah Bras, Milemarker, and Bats & Mice.