The Autumn Defense arrived with the 21st century, capturing colors of a bygone era. Fronted by John Stirratt, longtime member of Wilco and formerly Uncle Tupelo, the Autumn Defense is the result of a collaboration between Stirratt and musical compatriot Pat Sansone (who has worked with Joseph Arthur, Swan Dive, and Josh Rouse to name a few). Sharing roots in the Southern rock scene of the late '80s, the two converged a decade later in New Orleans after Stirratt's completion of the Mermaid Avenue sessions with Wilco and Billy Bragg.

Between noontime highs and slipping sunsets, the Autumn Defense create a sound which both embraces and resists the moods of autumn, and so defines their name. The multi-instrumental duo chase the sun westward to the California coast, gathering inspiration from classic L.A. pop and well-crafted melody in the '60s and '70s traditions. Between gentle harmonies and instrumental texturing, the associations are tempting: a trace of the Beach Boys or a Wilson brother? The Byrds, the Bee Gees, Bread, the Zombies piano pop? Stirratt himself quotes the seminal Forever Changes (Love) as one shaping influence to their sound.