[8] Stereo Review wrote that "the band has improved slightly on Beauty Lies, the first decently produced recording in its history...

"[14] The San Diego Union-Tribune opined that "the songs are often shallow, jagged little pills that start out big and fail to deliver any substance.

"[12] The Los Angeles Daily News thought that Beauty Lies "finds the band in top form, still turning out funky pop gems powered by Pat Place's slash-and-burn guitar.

"[10] The Telegram & Gazette determined that "the band's deep-groove sense of rhythm gives it a distinctive sound, and its mix of whimsical and menacing lyrics straddles the best of punk rock's dueling interests: the abilities to incite and brush off.

"[16] AllMusic wrote that "Place's guitar is more controlled and less slashing, though she can still work up a good old art-noise head of steam.