In 1995, the band signed with Warner Bros. Records but maintained creative control over their music, ensuring their unique indie rock sensibilities remained intact. Their major-label debut, Perfect from Now On (1997), marked a turning point, featuring intricate compositions that showcased the band's ability to blend complex arrangements with their signature indie sound.
With Keep It Like a Secret (1999), Built to Spill indie rock band balanced their experimental side with more concise songwriting. The album included fan favorites like "Carry the Zero" and "Center of the Universe," which helped the band maintain their status as one of indie rock’s leading acts.
Throughout the 2000s, Built to Spill continued to evolve musically, with albums like Ancient Melodies of the Future (2001) and You in Reverse (2006). Despite numerous lineup changes, Doug Martsch's vision remained the constant, driving the band's artistic growth. These albums showcased the band's ability to combine introspective lyrics with elaborate guitar work, continuing to push the boundaries of indie rock.