Department of Eagles, originally known as Whitey on the Moon UK, was formed by college roommates Fred Nicolaus and Daniel Rossen in 2000. Their music, influenced by Van Dyke Parks and Paul McCartney, blended symphonic and electronic pop with folk intimacy. Initially releasing EPs with Isota Records, the duo changed their name to Department of Eagles after discovering another band with a similar name. Their debut LP, The Cold Nose, was released in 2005 by Melodic in the U.K. and reissued in the U.S. in 2007 with bonus tracks by American Dust.

In 2008, Department of Eagles released In Ear Park, inspired by Rossen's late father, with contributions from Grizzly Bear members. The band's collection Archive 2003-2006, featuring tracks from their unreleased sophomore album and pieces later used by Grizzly Bear, was released in 2010. Rossen's involvement in Grizzly Bear's Yellow House album and ongoing collaborations underscored Department of Eagles' evolution and influence on the indie music scene.