2002 saw the release of an EP, Forty Winks with the Zincs, but the full band did not record together until the album dimmer, which was released by Chicago's own Thrill Jockey in 2005.
It was the second time The Dirty Rooks recorded with producer Mike Hagler (Wilco, Neko Case), along with Jon Langford (Waco Brothers, The Mekons), and James Elkington (The Zincs , The Horse's Ha).