Slowdive began recording their fifth album in September 2020 after initial sessions scheduled for April were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, the band faced personal losses, including Rachel Goswell's mother and Simon Scott's father. Neil Halstead, who wrote all the songs, described the music as an "escape" from their struggles. Goswell dealt with alcoholism following her grief before achieving sobriety. Halstead noted that while he expected a dark record, the band's collaboration lightened some of the tunes.