¡Forward, Russia! was formed in Leeds, England in 2004 by vocalist Tom Woodhead, bassist-guitarist Rob Canning, drummer-vocalist Katie Nicholls and guitarist Whiskas (Sam Nicholls). The quartet began by releasing numbered tracks, later adopting the faux Cyrillic styling ¡FФЯWДЯD, RUSSIД! Their breakthrough came with the single "Twelve" in January 2006, which entered the UK Top 40 at number 36. The debut album Give Me a Wall followed on 15 May 2006, produced by Paul Tipler; it was distributed by Dance to the Radio in the UK and by Mute Records in North America. The band toured extensively, supporting acts such as We Are Scientists and playing festivals including Reading and Leeds and South by Southwest. In 2008 they released their second studio album Life Processes through Cooking Vinyl, with the single "Breaking Standing" gaining critical attention; the album was noted for its expanded sonic palette. After a brief hiatus announced in October 2008, the group re-formed in 2013 for a one-off reunion gig at Brudenell Social Club, followed by a performance at Leeds Town Hall in May 2014. Throughout their career, ¡Forward, Russia! achieved chart placements on the UK Indie Chart, appeared on the NME/BBC Radio One Stage, and received positive reviews from outlets such as Drowned in Sound and Pitchfork.
