After discovering they were £60,000 in debt, Blur toured the United States in 1992 in an attempt to recoup their losses. During the two-month American tour, Albarn, along with the band, became increasingly unhappy and homesick, and began writing songs which "created an English atmosphere". Blur had undergone an ideological and image shift intended to celebrate their English heritage in contrast to the popularity of American grunge bands like Nirvana. Although sceptical of Albarn's new manifesto, Balfe gave his assent for the band's choice of Andy Partridge of the band XTC to produce their follow-up to "Leisure". The sessions with Partridge proved unsatisfactory, but a chance reunion with Stephen Street resulted in him returning to produce the group.