ATOM DRIVER formed in the fall of 2016 when guitarist and vocalist Mark Segal (formerly of New Brunswick indie rock band Boss Jim Gettys), bassist Justin Ingstrup (ex-Good Clean Fun), and drummer Mike Polilli (Buzzkill) set their sights on blending classic and current noise rock, indie rock, and post-hardcore influences with a love of punk and metal. The trio made their debut with the 2017 EP Slackjaw, produced by Steve Evetts (Hatebreed, Dillinger Escape Plan, Snapcase, Sepultura) and released on local label Powerbunny 4x4. Two more self-released EPs followed: In The West later that same year, and Here They Come, The Hornets in 2019.

After re-assessing their musical vision in 2020, ATOM DRIVER recruited Chris “Crispy” Corvino (Deadguy, Second Arrows) to handle vocal duties. As soon as masks could come off, the group recorded six new songs with Joseph Dell'Aquila at Exeter Recordings in Freehold, New Jersey. What they emerged with was a more frantic and pissed-off vocal style layered over some quite accessible noisy indie rock with nods to bands like The Monorchid, Hot Snakes, Motorhead, Tomahawk, McClusky, and God Bullies. Is Anything Alright was mastered by Bill Henderson at Azimuth Mastering and completed with cover art by Maurice Patterson.