Cressida is one of the largely forgotten formations from the early days of British progressive rock. The quintet consisted of Angus Cullen (voc), John Heyworth (g), Peter Jennings (keyb), Kevin McCarthy (b) and Ian Clark (dr). Formed in London in late 1968, they performed in clubs across the capital as well as throughout the United Kingdom. This attracted the interest of the new Vertigo label, which had been launched by Philips Records Ltd. They were secured a record deal and recorded their self-titled debut album at Wessex Studios in October 1969, produced by the Australian producer Ossie Byrne. It was issued in February 1970 with cover art by Colin Fulcher and was the seventh release on the Vertigo label.

It features harmonious progressive rock with delicate vocals and a rich use of symphonic Hammond organ and acoustic guitar. It spills over from catchy melodies that are at once melancholic and of poignant beauty. This first LP from 1969 is a now almost forgotten masterpiece of the early 1970s and is extremely difficult to find today. As a British Vertigo „Swirl“ original, it is considered, just like their second album Asylum, a true collector’s item.