Inspired by the 2011 England riots and the work of bell hooks, the album further developed the sociopolitical conscience of his debut, engaging particularly with the effects of neoliberalism.
[7] After the more explicitly political Dream a Garden, Latham initially attempted to continue in this path by reacting musically to then-current world events.
When this process did not lead to music he was satisfied with, he turned in a more personal direction, which led to the 2020 album Pillowland, inspired by California and focused on themes such as "a desire for a better life.
[9] Dan Barrow, writing for Tribune, described it as both dream-like and anti-dream, realistic and psychedelic, and argues that it showcases the way politics and music are connected "at every level".
[6][15][16][17] He also produced multiple songs on Lil Yachty's 2023 album Let's Start Here, implementing music from Pillowland along with other original productions.