While the "Church of Noise" single in March 1998 failed commercially, it marked the return of the band following three years out of the spotlight. The "Semi-Detached" album transcended the trajectory of "Troublegum" and "Infernal Love" with their dark, broody atmosphere. However, promotion for the album was scant at best, due to problems at the A&M label, which culminated in the loss of their record deal with the company. Without label support, Cairns and McKeegan needed to finance the band's European tour in late 1998 themselves.