Debuting in 1996 with a contribution to the Destination compilation, the Need issued a series of seven-inches on labels including Kill Rock Stars and Outpunk prior to releasing a self-titled full-length on Chainsaw in 1997; more compilation appeances preceded the appearance of their sophomore effort, 2000's The Need Is Dead. That same year Carns and Sloan also co-wrote the indie rock opera The Transfused -- first performed at Olympia's Capitol Theater, its soundtrack was also issued on Yo Yo. 2000 found the Need busy touring Europe and North America with Blonde Redhead and working on a split single with Le Tigre ~ Jason Ankeny