Brigade came together in 2003. Early gigs saw them win a battle of the bands competition at the Emergenza festival at the West One Four venue in West Kensington in May 2004 (and hence 'beating' the band that was to become GoodBooks who were then known as the Fingerprints). Their 'Safe Hands' demo gained the quartet significant interest in rock circles and in support, the quartet have been constantly touring the UK to build up a strong fanbase. Brigade released their debut EP, "Made to Wreck", on 12 September 2005. To support the release of this EP, they toured with many bands; one of which was Fightstar, whose frontman (Charlie Simpson) is Will's younger brother.