Sympathy is Scattered Trees' third album, after 2006's Song for My Grandfather and 2007's Heart of Glass. It was recorded after lead vocalist and guitarist Nate Eiesland's father passed away in 2009. Band members for the album included Eiesland, his wife Alissa Eiesland on vocals and keys, brothers Baron and Jason Harper on drums and keys, guitar, and vocals, respectively, as well as Ryne Estwing on bass and vocals.