"198d" was written about drummer Tony Hajjar's grandmother, who was buried in a mass grave in Lebanon. The title was taken from an inscription on her gravestone. [citation needed]
The EP's cover features a Conion 100CF boombox which belonged to the band, and was used as a frequent prop during Vaya period, appearing in their photoshoots, gig flyers and on stage during most of their live performances. Additionally, it would appear in the music video for "Metronome Arthritis" and was later featured on the label of their 2000 split 7-inch with The Murder City Devils as well as the cover of the 2005 compilation album This Station Is Non-Operational.
Release
The EP was first released in 1999 by Fearless Records. To promote it, the band toured with Rage Against the Machine and the Foo Fighters in November and December 1999.[1] It saw a limited of 500 vinyl release at 2012's Coachella Music Festival to celebrate the band's first performances together in 11 years. The 10-inch was then re-released as a hot-pink vinyl on June 5, 2012, with 1,500 copies in North American and 1,500 copies elsewhere. A vibrant red edition of 1,000 of the 10-inch was also available from Hot Topic stores.[citation needed]
