Swan Lake was formed in Canada in 2006 by Spencer Krug, Carey Mercer, and Dan Bejar, all of whom were already established musicians in bands such as Wolf Parade, Frog Eyes, Destroyer, and The New Pornographers. The trio initially performed under the name Thunder Cloud before adopting the name Swan Lake after discovering a namesake. Their debut album, Beast Moans, was released on 21 November 2006 through Jagjaguwar and featured the single "In The Name Of Love"; the album’s title was inspired by Mercer’s description of Krug’s sonic influence. In March 2009, the group released its second studio album, Enemy Mine, recorded in Victoria, British Columbia, and noted for a more focused collaborative songwriting approach compared to their debut. Throughout their brief career, Swan Lake toured Canada and the United States, sharing stages with acts such as The New Pornographers and Blackout Beach, and maintained a presence on independent radio stations. The band’s work was recognized within the indie rock community for its experimental blend of alternative rock and folk elements, and their releases remain available on major streaming platforms. After the release of Enemy Mine, the group dissolved, with each member returning to their respective projects.