Formed in 2013, the band was a supergroup composed of bassist and vocalist Glenn Hughes, guitarist Andrew Watt, and drummer Jason Bonham.
Following the release of the album, Bonham left California Breed due to other commitments preventing him from touring; he was replaced by former Queens of the Stone Age and Eagles of Death Metal drummer Joey Castillo.
Hughes was first introduced to Watt by friend and fellow musician Julian Lennon on February 9, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.
[1] A few days after meeting, Hughes and Watt quickly wrote two songs together – "Chemical Rain" and "Solo" – both of which were later included on the band's debut album.
[14] Talking about the group's style upon the announcement of its formation, Hughes summarised California Breed as "proper rock", describing the band as a mixture between traditional and modern elements of the genre.
[2] Watt identifies The Who, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin as influences on his style, while Bonham has compared the guitarist to Jimi Hendrix.
[2] The band's debut album was written equally by its three members, and has been described as a mix between "the classic rock elements of Black Country Communion – big, meat-cleaver riffs and heart-rending vocals – but with a 21st-century gloss".