The album is the band's first new release with A&M Records, having signed with them in late 1975 to distribute the US pressings of Bandolier. Musically, the album is significantly more subdued and polished than their earlier, heavier releases, exploring new experimental territory, which they would also continue to develop on their next release, 'Impeckable' : the band's usual hard rockblues rock style is augmented on this album with funk-Jazz rock fusion elements in two songs, and progressive rock in two others.The sound engineer on the album was Pat Moran, noted for his equally eclectic rock-fusion work with Robert Plant, Lou Gramm, Queen, Iggy Pop,Van der Graaf Generator, and Peter Hammill. The album was recorded at Rockfield Studios.[1]
Noted science fiction fantasy artist and book-cover llustrator Alun Hood provided the iconic artwork for the sleeve, whilst acclaimed rock photographer, Gered Mankowitz provided the band photographs.[3] The title of the album is a pun on the concept of Britannia ruling the waves. Professor Irene Morra of Cardiff University wrote that Budgie used this title to "declare an essential lack of agency within Britain" which helped portray a countercultural identity, lacking in national ambition.[4]
