Sounding lean, wiry, and frantic as they spit out fuzzy bad-vibe anthems of bitterness and accusation, Ex-Cult are a fierce punk rock band from Memphis. The group was formed in 2011 by vocalist Chris Shaw, formerly of Vile Nation, and drummer Michael Peery, who worked with the band Magic Kids. Recruiting bassist Natalie Hoffmann, and guitarists J.B. Horrell and Alec McIntyre, the new band took the name Sex Cult and released their first single through respected Memphis punk label Goner Records in September 2011. Shaw had struck up a friendship with San Francisco garage punk guru Ty Segall, and after Segall saw Sex Cult perform at the 2012 South by Southwest Music Conference, he volunteered to produce the band's first album. The group took Segall up on his offer, and headed to San Francisco for sessions with Segall and engineer Eric Bauer, but not before changing their name to Ex-Cult. Ex-Cult's self-titled debut album was released by Goner in late 2012, and earned enthusiastic reviews from the music press. Following extensive touring, including a string of dates opening for Segall, Ex-Cult began work on their second album, and Midnite Passenger arrived in April 2014.