by Corey Apar
Formed in 2003, Make Believe are yet another reshuffling of players from the '90s Chicago emo/indie rock scene (Joan of Arc, Cap'n Jazz, Owls, Ghosts and Vodka, etc.), this time featuring guitarist Sam Zurick, bassist Bobby Burg, and cousins Nate Kinsella on drums and Tim Kinsella on vocals. The experimental indie punk sounds of Make Believe first appeared in spring 2004 on a five-song self-titled EP issued through Flameshovel. The band's chaotic yet exhilarating musical presence was well-received, and the quartet followed up that fall with The Pink 7. Make Believe's hard-rocking full-length debut, Shock of Being, appeared in October 2005 to a positive response, as their volatile live show was taken on the road with bands like the Good Life, Hella, and the Paper Chase to further spread the love within the indie rock constituency. A summer 2006 run with Cursive led up to Make Believe's return that fall with their sophomore effort, Of Course.