Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion met at the House of Blues in San Diego, where Follin's older brother Richie's band, the Willowz, had a show. The two hit it off; both happened to be leaving to study film at the New School, which is where they formed Cults. The group's 2011 debut album, released on the Columbia Records-affiliated imprint In the Name Of, headed by Lily Allen, was well received critically. Its vibrant, gossamer melodies and bright, hopeful vocals struck an immediate chord with those attuned to the soulful innocence that Phil Spector brought out in his girl groups. Though toying with the concept of actual cults, this band and its music are too playful and uplifting to represent any sinister subculture.