 In 1996, the vocalist left and guitarist Igarashi (who had written the songs all along) took over vocal duties.From the release of their first 6 song demo EP in 1998 until 2001, the band built quite a name for themselves in the Sendai indie scene, attracting the attention of indie label Daizawa Records, the label also responsible for Condor44 and Tsubakiya Shijuusou.In 2001, Syrup's first album, "Copy" was released on Daizawa Records to critical acclaim, with the record-release show at Shimokitazawa's Club Que selling out.