In recording the EP, Holzman wanted to provide an outlet for expressing the emotions she felt coming to terms with her transgender identity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the recording and release of Quartz, Tyler was made the group's full-time drummer, and was joined by fellow trans D.C. indie musician Guinevere Tully on bass.

[17] Ekko Astral's name was derived from a lyric in the Death Grips song "Come Up And Get Me", the opening track from their album No Love Deep Web.

[18][19][5] Describing the band's sound in opposition to those of other punk influences, Holzman has said that Ekko Astral is "just Charli XCX and Sophie with loud guitars".

[20] The lyrics of Pink Balloons have been compared to those of Arctic Monkeys;[1] Holzman has named their album Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino as an influence.

Ekko Astral has also drawn influence from Jeff Rosenstock,[14] Kendrick Lamar, Ethel Cain,[6] Gilla Band, Idles, and Ditz, alongside other trans-fronted punk acts such as Lambrini Girls,[2] Crush Fund, and Anita Velveeta.