Formed in 1997 by Tim Rutili after the dissolution of Red Red Meat, Califone initially began as a solo project before evolving into a fluid ensemble. They blend acoustic and electronic elements with purposeful dissonance, creating a sound that balances melodic sensibilities with experimental tendencies. Their discography spans from the acclaimed Roomsound in 2001 to their 2023 release, Villagers, which pays homage to '70s soft rock while retaining their adventurous spirit. Califone's latest offering, 2025's The Villager's Companion, showcases a more aggressive sound compared to their original Villagers album, reflecting their ongoing exploration of musical boundaries.

Califone's journey includes a prolific period from 2002 to 2006, where they released five albums showcasing their innovative fusion of roots music and experimental influences. After a hiatus, they returned with 2009's All My Friends Are Funeral Singers, followed by the Southwestern-tinged Stitches in 2013. In 2020, they released Echo Mine, a score for a dance piece, before unveiling Villagers in 2023. Tim Rutili's experimental inclinations are tempered by semi-acoustic arrangements on Villagers, demonstrating a new facet of their sound. The subsequent release of The Villager's Companion in 2025 further solidifies Califone's reputation for pushing boundaries and embracing musical evolution.