White Whale, an American indie rock band from Lawrence, Kansas, was formed in 2005 and consisted of Matt Suggs, John Anderson, Dustin Kinsey, Zach Holland, and Robert Pope, who were former members of various bands including Butterglory, The Get Up Kids, and Thee Higher Burning Fire. White Whale's formation began when Matt Suggs recruited the other members to tour for his 2003 solo album Amigo Row. They released their debut full-length album WWI on July 25, 2006, under Merge Records, which was significant enough to prompt state representatives Barbara Ballard and Ann Mah to declare White Whale Day in Kansas. The single "Matchbook" from this album was included on the 2007 compilation First Blood by OxBlood Records.