[5][6] The songs were written after the band was approached by the producers of the show who were looking for two waltzes that actress Jaime King and others would perform to on screen.

[7][8] The band also appeared on screen performing in the pilot episode with Holloman's wife Amanda and friend David Pray backing.

[9] The songs on Colony of Bees show a subtle stylistic departure from their previous work, they are more expansive and layered, as opposed to the more minimalistic arrangements found on Seven Sisters.

These releases are "a collection of classic and original Christmas songs to help celebrate the holiday season [and were] made in various environments over the two months before Christmas - recorded in the studio, at home in bedrooms, and in closets of family members.”[13] Every year, the EPs were given away for free via their official Bandcamp and NoiseTrade sites and in 2015, were compiled together into one full-length album.

The album features The National drummer Bryan Devendorf and past Bon Iver member CJ Camerieri.