[4] The band supported the album with UK and North American tours that included playing the CMJ Music Marathon.

[10] Most of the songs were written by frontman Gerard Whelan, who steered away from traditional Irish music influences.

[12] The Ottawa Citizen noted that "when it succeeds, An Emotional Fish is a band of superb collage artists...

"[17] The Calgary Herald opined that "Whelan has a moody touch, like Jim Morrison or the early Lou Reed".

[21] Trouser Press concluded that "a lot of An Emotional Fish is the sketchbook of untalented amateurs attempting to jot down the work of a master".