"We wanted the new album to sound like a completely different and new experience," said Ethan Kath in a statement. "Any keyboards and pedals used on I or II were traded for different keyboards and pedals so that there would be a new palette of sounds to work with. We wouldn't allow any computers near the studio, everything had to be recorded to tape. We'd limit ourselves to one take because we believe the first take is the rawest expression of an idea."