Named after one of Wackerly's colleagues, a musician-turned-junkie called Panda, and Panda's girlfriend Angel, the moody, melancholic indie rock quintet came together in 2004. Wackerly previously played with the Suicide Squeeze act S, while Murphy performed with Touchdown Eagle. During the first six months after forming the band, Panda & Angel began headlining club shows in and around Seattle. Additional shared dates with the likes of Wolf Parade, Band of Horses, the Elected, Crystal Skulls, and Maria Taylor followed into 2005. A deal with Jade Tree was also inked by the end of that year, with Panda & Angel heading into Avast! Studios for their debut recording. The Panda & Angel EP arrived in July 2006. ~ MacKenzie Wilson