Based in London, England Male Bonding is composed of John Arthur Webb (vocals, guitar), Kevin Hendrick (vocals, bass) and Robin Silas Christian (drums). Webb and Hendrick formerly played together in the noise rock band Pre and met Christian whilst working in a record shop. Their first show was at a house party called "RAGE!" in May 2008. The band shared several releases before signing to the Sub Pop label in July 2009. Their first release for the label was a split 7" single with Dum Dum Girls titled "Pay for Me / Before It's Gone" and released on Record Store Day 2010.
Their first full-length album, Nothing Hurts, received generally positive reviews from several music sites, including The Guardian, and Pitchfork Media who placed it in their 'Best New Music' category. Brooklyn band Vivian Girls appear on the track "Worse to Come". In 2011, It was chosen for the shortlist of The Guardian's First Album awards.