The Maine formed in January 2007, consisting of John O'Callaghan on vocals, Kennedy Brock and Jared Monaco on guitar, Garrett Nickelsen on bass and Pat Kirch on drums. In November of that year, the group signed to independent label Fearless Records. Nickelsen called Fearless Records "a great label" and "really supportive." The following month, the group released The Way We Talk EP through the label. O'Callaghan said the EP showcased how the group was "transitioning musically," as well as demonstrating their "new attitude toward writing." In December 2007, the band announced plans to tour with Number One Gun the following month. However, by the end of December, the group had cancelled the touring plans and announced that they would record their debut album instead. Recording started on January 14, 2008 and continued into February. "Count'Em, One, Two, Three" was re-recorded for the album; the original version appears on the Stay Up, Get Down EP.
Release
On May 18, 2008, Can't Stop Won't Stop was announced for release, and the album's track listing and artwork was revealed. Also in May, the group went on a US tour alongside Metro Station, Forever the Sickest Kids, The Cab and Danger Radio. "Everything I Ask For" was made available for streaming via the group's Myspace account on June 4. On June 20, "Girls Do What They Want" was made available for streaming on the band's iLike page. From late June to mid-July, the band went on the 2008 edition of Warped Tour. Can't Stop Won't Stop was released on July 8 through independent label Fearless Records. In July and August, the group supported Good Charlotte and Boys Like Girls on their Soundtrack of Your Summer tour across the US. The group re-joined Warped Tour until mid-August. In October and November, the group went on The Compromising of Integrity, Morality & Principles in Exchange for Money tour, supporting All Time Low. On November 19, the music video for "Everything I Ask For" premiered on various MTV channels, directed by Matthew Stawski. In February and March 2009, the band supported We the Kings on their US tour, dubbed The Secret Valentine Tour. On March 10, the band released a music video for "Girls Do What They Want" through Myspace. The video, which was filmed during the group's tours with All Time Low and We the Kings, features the band in their van, playing shows, and hanging out with fans. Director Dan Fussellman said he wanted to "tell a story out of their travel experiences from head-banging thirteen hour van rides, to pre-show chants." From late March to early May, the band co-headlined the Alternative Press Tour with 3OH!3, with support from Family Force 5, Hit the Lights and A Rocket to the Moon. In late March, the band performed at the Alternative Press party at South by Southwest festival. The band appeared at The Bamboozle festival in early May. On June 15, "Into Your Arms" was released as a radio single. From late June to mid-August, the group went on the 2009 edition of Warped Tour. An deluxe edition of Can't Stop Won't Stop was released on July 14 through iTunes. It included three bonus tracks, the music videos for "Everything I Ask For" and "Girls Do What They Want", as well as the documentary "In Person". On July 26, a music video was released for "Into Your Arms". The video was directed by Aaron Platt and shot at the Ontario International Airport in Ontario, California. In October and November, the group supported Boys Like Girls on their tour of the US.
Reception
Can't Stop Won't Stop sold 12,000 copies in its first week of release.
