In early 2012, Social Studies returned to the studio with the goal of stripping songs down to the basics, straightening out some of the more jagged lines of their previous work, and focusing on texture and mood. Known for their energetic live performances, the band has shared the stage with tUnE-yArDs, Thee Oh Sees, and Dodos. The excitement of their live shows is reflected on Developer with the help of co-producer Eli Crews, who honed this new bare-bones attack.