[2] Writing for the album commenced in late 2016 with Lissie moving from her long time recording base in Ojai, California to a more rural setting in Iowa.

The music video premiered on Lissie's official YouTube account on June 28, 2017, and was directed by Talain Rayne.

The single stayed on the Billboard Adult Alternative Songs Top 40 chart for 18 weeks, from February 10, 2018 (No.

[2] NME gave the album 4 stars with reviewer Leonie Cooper writing on the tack 'World Away' she writes "she weaves in sparkling, electronic production and heavily layered vocals to produce something bordering on the symphonic" also praising "Blood & Muscle's" passion by "belting out her demons against stripped-down piano.

Helena Wadia praised the album as her "most intense, open and raw yet – which seems to be in contrast with the fact it's the most all out pop record she's made thus far" summarizing "Castles is a message for those who are feeling uprooted – find self-determination, and never concede your power for love.