Following the initially promising debut album The Story Of Simon Simopath and two further albums that went largely unnoticed, Patrick Campbell-Lyons and Alex Spyropoulos ended their partnership, and the band Nirvana became a solo project for Campbell-Lyons. He began developing ideas for another album that was to take a harder, rockier direction, and he had already written songs in this style. Consequently, Island label boss Chris Blackwell terminated the contracts, as he wanted more of the light psychedelic pop. By then an A&R manager and occasional producer at the progressive Vertigo label, he recorded his next album for Vertigo between November 1970 and January 1971. It is the first Nirvana album on which songwriter, singer and producer Patrick Campbell-Lyons, with the support of the acclaimed pianist Pete Kelly, horn player Mel Collins (King Crimson), guitarist Tony Duhig and drummer John Field (both of Jade Warrior), took sole control of a recording project.

Local Anaesthetic was released in March 1971 with a cover design by Keef that fascinatingly illustrated the completely new style. This legendary fourth album marked a complete departure from the typical baroque pop sound towards experimental progressive rock, featuring extended rock jam sessions, showcased in two lengthy tracks. This probably came as too much of a surprise, and the album sold poorly, so Campbell-Lyons returned to the classic Nirvana sound on the next LP, Songs Of Love And Praise.