History
Cults is an American indie pop duo formed in 2010 in New York City. Consisting of Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion, the band is recognized for a signature sound that blends 1960s girl-group harmonies with dream pop, gauzy electronics, and experimental textures. While their music often features bright, twinkling melodies, it is frequently balanced by darker lyrical themes and a sophisticated production style.
Formation and Viral Breakthrough
The project began when Follin and Oblivion, both natives of San Francisco, were attending college in New York. Oblivion was studying documentary film at NYU while Follin was a student at the New School. The pair began writing and recording songs in Oblivion’s apartment using a MIDI keyboard and a laptop. In 2010, they released their self-titled debut EP on Forest Family Records. The track "Go Outside" quickly became a viral sensation, earning significant praise from music outlets like Pitchfork and NME and establishing the duo as a prominent fixture in the indie pop scene.
Major Label Debut and Static
Following the success of their EP, Cults signed to In the Name Of, an imprint of Columbia Records founded by Lily Allen. Their self-titled debut studio album, produced by Shane Stoneback, was released in June 2011. The record expanded on their retro-futuristic aesthetic and reached number 52 on the Billboard 200. During this period, the band toured extensively and performed at major festivals, including the Portishead-curated All Tomorrow's Parties.
In 2013, the duo released their second album, Static. Written and recorded in the aftermath of Follin and Oblivion’s romantic breakup, the album featured a more somber, emotive tone. It was well-received by critics and peaked at number 114 on the Billboard 200. That same year, Cults gained further mainstream exposure by collaborating with rapper J. Cole on the track "She Knows," which reached the Billboard Hot 100.
Creative Evolution and Offering
After a multi-year hiatus, during which Follin worked on a side project with her brother Richie Follin, the duo returned in 2017 with Offering. This album marked a shift toward a more collaborative creative process, with Follin contributing drums and keyboards in addition to her lead vocals. The sound moved away from the 1960s-inspired pop of their earlier work, instead drawing from 1980s synth-pop and new wave influences such as Gary Numan and The Motels.
In 2018, the band continued their exploration of these influences by releasing a full-album cover of The Motels' 1979 self-titled debut as part of the Sounds Delicious vinyl series. This was followed by a collection of B-sides and remixes from the Offering sessions in 2019.
Host and Modern Sound
Cults released their fourth studio album, Host, in September 2020. The record represented a significant milestone for the band, as it was the first to feature live instrumentation throughout and included lyrics written primarily by Follin. Produced alongside Shane Stoneback and mixed by John Congleton, the album explored themes of independence and self-reliance. Host showcased a more organic, layered production style that reinforced the duo's ability to evolve while maintaining their core melodic appeal.
