Machines Learning originally included Black Box Studio operator Mario Quintero, as well as Paul Balmer (guitar, vocals) and Bradley Botbyl (bass). After releasing their Pendragon’s Lullaby EP, the band played its debut gig May 24, 2012, at Soda Bar.

Anthony Robert Dixon from Sleep Lady also took over drumming duties from Mario Quintero in 2013. Says Balmer, "Mario was really busy and moving to New York, and we were already friends with Tony, and it couldn't have worked out better. Tony's a great drummer, and an even better person." The group subsequently embarked on a west coast tour, as well as dates in Arizona.

A self-titled album was released in 2014, containing six previously released tracks remixed by Quintero, along with three new Quintero-mixed songs, mastered at the Blasting Room, run by drummer Bill Stevenson (Black Flag, the Descendents) and Jason Livermore (Alkaline Trio, Rise Against).

"We were going to just release the new songs as an electronic EP," says Paul Balmer, "but people are always asking us for vinyl, so we figured why not put out a full record rather just a 7-inch." Another west coast tour took place in May and June 2014.