Although they have had the rights to SINGULAR, NO ARTICLE for over a year, Poster Girl Records has done nothing to expedite its' release. Once again, phone calls go unreturned. Playing out becomes difficult as many promoters refuse to give the band shows citing that there is no "new release" to support. Because of the long gap since the release of HURRICANE NECKLACE, it becomes apparent to the band that they have fallen off the radar and many people assume they have disbanded. Despite having two records ready for release, to the general public have not seen a new album out since 1996.
Despite sending out dozens of discs to labels far and wide, few responses are received from any interested parties. Two or three labels are curious but say they would like to see the band on the road for them to consider drafting any sort of deal. A vicious catch-22 develops where the band, unable to get shows because they have no label or release to speak of, are shunned by record companies for not being able to play out for lack of a booking agent.
Deciding to focus on what they do have control over, NRSK tries to expand their live performance for the few shows they can still get. Because of the fuller arrangements and comprehensive instrumentation on WINTER's KILL, the band is challenged in playing many of the decidedly "studio-oriented" songs on a real stage. Peyton and Matt replace Jeremy with renowned local multi-instrumentalist Ken Maiuri. Wanting to get back to the bass, Matt divides his guitar duties with Ken and plays bass on several songs in the new set. Additionally, Ken plays keyboards on certain numbers as well as providing vocal harmonies. Jeremy Smith joins the band on drums and the new quartet plays several shows between Boston and Philadelphia.