Although XTC got their start on the late '70s post-punk scene, their initial inspirations came from '60s psychedelia and the most experimental end of '70s progressive rock. Their early guitar-and-organ attack made them sound like an even more tightly-wound Attractions, but when second guitarist Dave Gregory joined for 1979's Drums and Wires, songwriters Andy Partridge and Colin Moulding expanded their musical palettes. Retiring from touring in 1982, the band began exploring a gentler, more pastoral sound on acclaimed albums like 1986's Skylarking. They quietly split in 2005.