The group have been called an "experiment in manufactured pop", although the members' take is that they "manufactured" themselves. Their name, which is a reference to a laboratory instrument, is a nod to the experimental origins of the group. The male backing musicians, "The Cassettes" never appear in interviews or photo shoots, emphasizing the role of the singers. The three frontwomen wear polka dot dresses with synchronized choreography being a major part of their live shows, whereas The Cassettes can be seeing wearing knitted tank tops with their initials sewn onto them. Additionally, despite their "manufactured" origins, all songs are credited to The Pipettes as a whole. Generally one member has a concept and basic outline for a song, on which the other members subsequently have an input as to arrangement or lyric changes. As a result, all members share credit on their original songs.