Chicago quartet California Wives were formed in 2009 and developed a sound based on a strong '80s new wave and pop influence, blending the dancey bounce of Prince, the Police, and Culture Club with more electronic synth pop nods toward New Order and Human League. Early in its existence, the band set about recording its debut EP, No. 8. The group played often and regularly released new tracks online. A second EP, Affair, followed, and in 2012 Michel was replaced by Graham Masell on lead guitar. Later that year, California Wives signed a deal with Vagrant Records and began working with producer Claudius Mittendorfer on their debut album, Art History. ~ Fred Thomas