It has been three years since the release of Atombombpocketknife's last full-length release, God Save the ABPK, on Southern Records. Since the departure of original drummer Matt Espy following their late 2001 tour, vocalist/guitarist Justin Sinkovich has worked on Epitonic.com, BetterPropaganda.com, and his File Thirteen Records which released Lack and Pattern. In addition to being on Sinkovich's label, the band also recorded in his studio, providing them with the freedom to create the album they wanted to create.

Lack and Pattern's artwork deviates from prior releases by ditching the Air Force imagery and going with something more abstract. Musically ABPK has moved away from what was once described as a chainsaw through a greater focus on melody and composition. The resulting tracks integrate moving guitar melodies with edgier vocals and production that are immediately while remaining a somewhat challenging listen.