In contrast to his previous album Mercy (2023) which featured many collaborators at different studios, Poptical Illusion was produced by Cale along with his manager Nita Scott in his Los Angeles studio with Cale performing most of the instruments.

[2][3] On 26 March 2024 the first single from the album, "How We See the Light", was released along with a music video directed by Pepi Ginsberg.

[4] On 8 May the second single, "Shark-Shark", was released with a music video directed by Abigail Portner.

[5] On 19 August the third single, "Davies and Wales" was released along with a music video directed by Jethro Waters.

[6] Two tracks – "Beethoven in the Old West" and "News of Nicholas" – are only available on a 7" bonus single that comes with the limited edition 2LP version of the album.