Anthony West and Josephine Vander Gucht of Oh Wonder began the writing process with a month in an Airbnb in Brooklyn, New York in April 2016.

The first single "Ultralife" was released on 31 March 2017 and hailed by the NME as "bright-eyed" and "dazzling".

Larisha Paul of Baeble Music called the album an "ethereal adventure" that showcases the duo's "masterful songwriting abilities".

In contrast, AllMusic's Marcy Donelson said that, compared to their 2015 debut album, "intimacy definitely takes a hit with Ultralife's expanded production".

[9] All tracks are written by Josephine Vander Gucht and Anthony West