Sophia is the brainchild of Flower Shop head and former God Machine leader Robin Proper-Sheppard. Nearly a year after the death of God Machine bassist and close friend Jimmy Fernandez, Proper-Sheppard began writing songs that sounded nothing like his prior band. Instead of ear-busting and grating, they were low-key and introspective. With help from members of Ligament, Elevate, and Oil Seed Rape, he recorded 1996s Fixed Water. Featuring the single Are You Happy Now, the album received favorable comparisons to Neil Young and Sparklehorse. Two years later, The Infinite Circle followed, receiving just as much critical praise as the debut. De Nachten was released in late 2001.