Little Matador originated in 2012 as a side project from Snow Patrol guitarist Nathan Connolly, who seized the opportunity presented by his main band's temporary break to realize a long-held ambition of leading a harder-edged, grittier rock outfit. Connolly assembled the group from his native Belfast by bringing in drummer Paul "Binzer" Brennan and bassist Gavin Fox, both of whom had previously performed with acts including the Frames and Idlewild. American guitarist Troy Stewart, known for his work in Tired Pony, joined alongside Connolly's longtime associate and pre-Snow Patrol collaborator Dave Magee, who also contributes guitar to the Irish band LaFaro.
Drawing on an existing collection of material and this carefully chosen lineup of experienced musicians, Connolly and the others traveled to London's Metropolis Studios in 2013. There they worked with producer Sam Bell to lay down the 11 high-energy, fuzzed-out rock tracks that formed the self-titled debut album. Ahead of its April 2014 release, Little Matador toured extensively, appearing at intimate club venues as well as major festivals alongside Nine Inch Nails and Queens of the Stone Age.
