The five-piece post punk outfit Kaiser Chiefs was formed in 1996, under the name As Parva. After a turbulent first few years of existence, the band released its 2003 debut album, 22, which failed to perform well on the charts, leading the group to be dropped from its label. As Parva changed its name to Kaiser Chiefs and with a fresh name in addition to new material, the band managed to land a recording contract with Atlantic Records. Redefining its sound to a more staunch new wave and punk-inspired sonic aesthetic, the quintet released its 2005 album, Employment, which was met with commercial and critical acclaim, launching the band to the forefront of British indie rock music.