Allen had previously worked with Albarn as a drummer on the album, The Good, the Bad & the Queen.

On 27 October 2011, Albarn released a statement announcing the band's name.

The band's debut album contains 18 tracks and was released on 26 March 2012.

The album contains guest appearances by Erykah Badu, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, M.anifest and many others.

[1] The EP contains three tracks, all of which appear on the band's eponymous debut album.