The release coincided with his first national tour, accompanied by a backing band with the prog rock group Riff Raff as the opening act.

Though their division of labor ostensibly remained the same, with lyrics by James and music by Atkin, the close proximity of their lives mirrored the closer collaboration between words and melody than in their previous efforts.

“The Shadow and the Widower” echoed the internal duality explored previously in “The Hypertension Kid” and exemplified James’ use of elaborate language despite its seeming unsuitability for popular song.

“Payday Evening” underwent numerous re-writes and adjustments; Atkin made a bridge section out of several stanzas intended as verses.

He noted that the album supported the concept, forwarded by critic Stephen Barnard, that the best contemporary songwriters were looking beyond traditional rock music to realize their work.