Cults formed in 2010, while core band members Brian Oblivion (guitar, vocals) and Madeline Follin (vocals) were both students in New York City. The songs on thier 2011 self-titled debut album were inspired by early 1960's pop and their own relationship as a couple. Cults' second full-length release, Static, is an album of breakup songs, again reflecting their personal relationship while expanding on the sound of their first record.