On 14 April 1986, Cocteau Twins released their fourth studio album, Victorialand. Working without bassist Simon Raymonde, vocalist Elizabeth Fraser and guitarist/producer Robin Guthrie opted for a subtler sound on the album.
One critic described the album as ethereal and resembling "early Gong space-rock with much of the stuffing left out". The Spin Alternative Record Guide called the album the Twins' "simplest" and "most beautiful".