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Formed in early 2000 by Ben deHoedt and Matt Harris (Mobile), The American Public began as a "beats and guitars" duo encompassing Ben and Matt's shared love of askew harmonic pop and fascination with the US. Joined by Tim Mortimer (The Mandelbrot Set) later that year, "Peachment" was co-produced by the group and picked up by Pop Gun Records. A simpatico, creatively ambiguous relationship emerged which saw the trio writing prolifically. With the addition of Mel Horsman (The Liftdwellers) on Drums, the American Public played briefly across Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne as a quartet. Wash records (Faker, Dappled Cities) picked up a second EP (Contract Killer). Tim left the group soon after that stage. Through late 2002-3, the band continued building an audience in the eastern capitals but geography and jobs forced the band apart. Plays on JJJ and Rage, and a slot live on Richard Kingsmill's Oz Music Show, were highlights of the earlier years. Ben (Melbourne) and Matt (Adelaide) have