Pop-punks 22 Jacks were led by former Wax frontman Joe Sib and guitarist Steve Soto, an alumnus of the Adolescents and Agent Orange. Formed in late 1995, the group recorded its 1996 debut, Uncle Bob, with guitarist Jason Cropper, bassist Scott Shiflett, and drummer Sandy Hansen, all three of whom exited in the wake of the record's completion; with new guitarist Bill Fraenza, bassist Kelly Lemieux, and drummer Jose Medeles, 22 Jacks hit the road before returning to the studio to record 1998's Overserved. Going North followed a year later.
