Taking their name from a WWII U.S. Air Force bomber, Transit Belle formed in 2002 in New York City. Their brutally honest music blended punk, noise and huge 70's hooks. For the next four years they played tons of shows and managed to put out two discs of material. Their debut release, known as "the EP", is the result of their 2003 collaboration with legendary engineer Steve Albini. Albini's ability to harness the same big sound of their live shows made him the perfect choice for those early studio sessions.
In January 2005 the band released their second and final disc, Dead On A Vine. Recorded in Austin, TX with Bryan Nelson, the band expanded their sound after original members Joe Penna and Brian Ertel restructured the band. Joe took over the vocal duties full time and Rebekah Whitehurst was added to fill the void on bass. With their strongest lineup, Dead On A Vine captures them at their peak and remains their definitive release.