The four childhood friends grew up in the Mexican-American neighborhood of South Gate and listening to bands such as the Smiths, the Cure, and Depeche Mode was a regular part of their formative years in school. The Tender Box's own post-punk-influenced romance resonates with that of their heroes while also separating them from the pack of current art rock trendsetters. KROQ's Rodney Bingenheimer has hyped the Tender Box on his Rodney on the Roq radio show while other outlets such as Indie 103.1 and Sirius Radio have celebrated the band's debut single "Mister Sister." The flirty song also landed a licensing spot on a Canadian Chevy commercial months before the band landed a recording contract. The Score, produced by Warren Huart (Hot Hot Heat, the Thrills) arrived in the middle of 2006. U.K. shows with the Goo Goo Dolls were slated for fall. ~ MacKenzie Wilson