Newbury Park, CA's Hotwire included guitarist/vocalist Rus Martin, guitarist Gabe Garcia, bassist Dan Hartman, and drummer Brian Borg. The four came together after playing in various metal, punk, and hardcore combos throughout high school. As Hotwire, the sound became riff-heavy metal with vocals and dynamics influenced by post-hardcore types like Refused and Quicksand. The band recorded a few demos...
Soon after The Routine was released, band went on hiatus and disbanded. Vocalist Rus Martin joined alternative rock band Skyscraper Frontier and guitarist Gabriel Garcia formed The Transfatal Express, both under Coming Home Records.
In late 2010 vocalist Rus Martin helped form Rock/Alternative band Fake Figures with Atreyu guitarist Travis Miguel and former Scars of Tomorrow bassist Bob Bradley. The band released their debut EP Hail The Sycophants in December 2011 and are current playing shows and writing material for a follow-up.