The band formed in 2003 when guitarist Smith and singer Shoniwa of the band Sonarfly began playing and writing together more often. The two met drummer Morrison (formerly of Living With Eating Disorders, Willis, Six Toes, Jaywalk Buzz and others) in December 2003 and played a number of gigs across London over the winter.

They recorded their debut EP Three Moods of the Noisettes during this time, which was released in April 2005 on London indie label Side Salad Records. This led to signing internationally with Universal Music Group, who released the EP in the US on the Low Altitude imprint. Their next single, "Iwe" was released via the Transgressive label, followed by "Scratch Your Name" on Mercury/Side Salad Records; since then all releases have been on the Vertigo Records label.

Noisettes have toured Europe and the United States extensively, with the likes of TV on the Radio, Tom Vek, Babyshambles, Bloc Party and the Mystery Jets. They supported Muse on a UK and European arena tour in November and December 2006, and toured the UK to promote the release of their debut album What's the Time Mr. Wolf? in February 2007. Noisettes also appeared at the Coachella festival on April 27th, 2007 and are going to be at the Reading and Leeds Festivals on the NME/Radio 1 Stage in August. Noisettes also made their US television debut on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on April 2, 2007. Shingai Shoniwa has provided backing vocals for many bands including Guillemots songs "Made Up Love Song #43" and "Over the Stairs".

Their Single "Scratch Your Name" was featured in the last ever episode of The Sopranos.