The band came to prominence in 2011 with the release of their second extended play, Kakistocracy, and frequent performances and festival appearances in Queensland and New South Wales.

Their debut album, Yonder Ruckus, was released in January 2013,[1] receiving national Australian airplay on Triple J[2] and charting at number one for multiple weeks on 4ZZZ.

The Mouldy Lovers began in early 2010 in the Brisbane suburb of West End as a folk trio, composed of Louis Whelan, Jade Channells, and Matt Hsu, regularly performing at markets and venues.

Seeking to expand their sound, the group enlisted Jen Horn, Nicholas Downing, Henri Paternoster, and Caroline Townsend later in 2010.

[10] Following the departure of Jade Channells and Henri Paternoster in March 2012, the group recruited Gavin Cook, guitarist and vocalist for The Vulture St Family Skiffle Band.