Portland, OR-based emo-pop combo the Pinehurst Kids began in 1995 as a duo teaming singer/guitarist Joe Davis and drummer Robler Kind, who previously collaborated in the group Five Times Fast; named after Davis' hometown of Pinehurst, ID — a locale notorious for the high levels of toxic lead contaminating its environment — the lineup soon expanded to a three-piece with the addition of bassist Cal Gates (brother of Spinnanes frontwoman Rebecca), and in 1997 self-released their debut LP, Minnesota Hotel. Chicago indie 4-Alarm Records soon reissued the album,