The Men began as an abrasive punk group before vastly expanding their sound to incorporate influences from country-rock to soul, in addition to more accessible song structures. Initially forming as a trio in Brooklyn in 2008, they first made a national impact with the blistering noise rock of 2011's Leave Home, their second album. Released in 2012, Open Your Heart proved to be a breakthrough for the band, receiving rave reviews. It also signaled their shift beyond punk, and the Men continued to redefine their sound with ambitious, eclectic albums such as 2014's Tomorrow's Hits. They ventured back into confrontational noise rock with 2016's Devil Music. Retaining a stable lineup meant they could continue to stylistically branch out with albums like 2020's Mercy, or go back to abrasive punk rock with 2023's New York City.