The C.I.A. is a post-punk band with a minimalist approach, characterized by a raw edge, provocative lyrics, and a collision of art rock and lo-fi pop sensibilities. Formed by the marriage of musical creativity and family bonds, the band features Ty Segall, an acclaimed multi-instrumentalist and producer with a prolific solo career who is well-known in the indie rock circuit, handling percussion duties. His wife, Denée Segall, fronts the band, providing the distinct vocal style and confrontational lyrics that set the group’s tone. On bass, they are joined by Emmett Kelly, another figure with a strong reputation in the experimental and alternative music scenes.

The C.I.A. debuted in 2018 with their eponymous album, creating buzz with their stripped-back instrumentation and urgent societal commentary. It's a concoction of punk rhythms, garage rock rawness, and thought-provoking verses that tackle the complexities of the American experience. They continued to build on their identity with a follow-up album, also self-titled, released in 2022. With this release, they further established themselves within the contemporary punk panorama, gaining attention for their unapologetically critical stance towards the socio-political landscape, as encapsulated in tracks such as "The Real America". The band draws from a rich palette of historical punk influences while infusing their work with a modern sense of urgency, reflecting on both personal and collective struggles in the 21st century.