Back in the realm of the roused, "​Return" ​symbolises the re-entry of Pearson into music-making after a previous, collaborative project with her brother fell foul of the  pressures of a major label record deal.“​I didn’t write for about seven months”, Pearson  reflects. “I was just like nope, I’m gunna become a gardener, this isn’t happening.  Return ​ ​is ​about the whole experience of beginning to enjoy writing again, really”. ​Over  the course of two-and-a-half years, between her parents’ house in Gloucestershire, her Bristol bedroom, and nearby community arts space The Island, Pearson honed her craft as a solo artist, learning to rely on her creative instincts, and bringing forth an album just as shaped by the South-West of England as the rich musical history of America’s Southern States. Consequently, she says, “​these are the most honest and  proper songs I’ve written; songs that have come from my own being, rather than a  room with a guy prodding me to tell a traumatic story of my life and then write about it”.

The songs were strengthened and evolved in a live setting ​—​ including in support of  Olden Yolk and Cass McCombs on their respective UK and European tours ​—​ before  being taken to the studio of producer Ali Chant (PJ Harvey, M. Ward, Perfume Genius,  Gruff Rhys), where they were captured in their final form. The result is a jewel in the dirt by the side of the highway; ten songs which slide effortlessly between lovelorn country, lo-fi folk and glistening, unforgettable pop.