Costello began in the summer of 2003 as a three-piece pop-punk outfit comprised of Mitchell Ohlman (vocals/guitar), Kendal Byxbe (Bass) and Alex San Juan (Drums). After mulling around the LA Punk scene playing scattered shows and recording numerous demos, 2004 saw the departure of drummer San Juan. This was the moment of truth for Ohlman and Byxbe. After a brief hiatus, both decided this band was where their passion lay and they we're going to move forward full steam. After an extensive search Costello settled on bay area metal veteran Erik Shapiro to be their skinsman. Not long after, based on some early demo material, Costello was able to secure a recording contract with nationally distributed independant label, High School Records. After a few rehearsals Costello went right into the studio to begin work on their debut High School Records full length "Scatterbrain". Since each member still had a full time job (gotta pay that rent!) the sessions for Scatterbrain would often run into the early hours of the morning. After a couple months of nights and weekends, recording wrapped in the spring of 2005. The result was a 10 song scorcher packed from end to end with Costello's signature melodic powerpunk sound. Production and scheduling issues resulted in a severe delay in the release of Scatterbrain but the record finally saw the light of day in September 2005. Off the bat songs like 'The Perfect Way' and 'Anything and Everything' showed singer/guitarist Mitchell Ohlman's penchant for upbeat tempos and "catchy-as-hell" melodic riffage. Other key tracks such as Gravity, Life Without Me and Hey Jailor quickly became fan favorites and inspire frantic head bopping and body tossing when performed live. After countless west coast dates and nothing short of "heroic" alcohol consumption, Costello amicably parted ways with drummer Erik Shapiro and again took some time to ponder their future. It wasn't long before the itch returned and Costello welcomed east coast punk staple Doug Mitchell (Holiday Road, Walk the Line, Hot Gravy) on second guitar. Doug's chugging guitar licks and rangy vocal infusions have redefined the Costello sound and really pushed the band in a new and exciting direction. Not long after the addition of Doug, Costello welcomed Los Angeles (by way of Oklahoma) hardcore drummer Justin Laughlin (Bad Reaction, Melynski) to the fold. Justin's prowess and flair behind the kit is self-evident and has filled the drummer vacancy in a way that no other drummer could. Simply put, this kid is on fire! 2006 looks to be a big year for the Los Angeles quartet. Costello entered the studio in February to record the follow up to 2005's Scatterbrain and the result was the 13 song full length LP "The Mourning After". Costello managed to produce their best work to date. This record is a giant leap forward in terms of songwriting and musicianship. "This is the record we have been waiting all of our lives to make" said Ohlman. "Its nice to be at that point where we can do justice to what we're hearing in our heads and keep that vision intact as we translate it to tape." Aided by producer Jussi Tegelman, Costello managed to drop 42 minutes of blazing powerpunk fueled by off the chart dynamics and gut wrenchingly honest lyrics. "The Mourning After" is scheduled for release this summer followed by an extensive tour of the US and Canada so keep your eyes and ears open.