[2] In a statement, Jamie xx likened his experiences since releasing his previous album to "waves that we have all experienced together and alone", and said that he wanted to "make something fun, joyful and introspective all at once" as "the best moments on a dance floor are usually that" for him.

[3] From 2020 to early 2024, Jamie xx released the standalone singles "Idontknow", "Let's Do It Again", "Kill Dem", and "It's So Good"; the latter was made for a Chanel ad campaign.

[7] The album was promoted with a residency at Venue MOT in London called "The Floor", which was held from 16 to 25 May and was described as a series of ten consecutive parties with surprise guests.

[3] On 28 June, Jamie xx headlined the Woodsies Stage at the 2024 Glastonbury Festival and performed several tracks from In Waves among other songs.

"[5] Jessie Dorris of Pitchfork described it as "a well-polished record animated by the ecstatic and easy pleasures of the dancefloor" that "generally plays to [Jamie xx's] strengths".