Living with the Ghosts was released in a limited edition format with a photobook and four-track EP titled North West East South.

"[2] They cited atmospheric artists such as Brian Eno, William Basinski, Stars of the Lid, Cocteau Twins, the Church and the Cure as influences, in addition to more cinematic acts, including Sigur Rós, Max Richter, Johann Johannsson and Arvo Pärt.

[4] A limited edition of the album, featuring a photobook and four-track EP titled North West East South, was also released.

"[2] Hammock collaborator Thomas Petillo created the album's artwork while traveling through the Deep South with Byrd and Thompson.

"[7] Ryan Reed of PopMatters described the album as "perfect sonic accompaniment for the half-dreams that plague a restless sleep.

"[8] Joe Tangari of Pitchfork described the music as "intensely visual... you really get the sense of shapes shifting and forms moving.

"The temptation to slip into melodrama with music like Hammock's must be immense, but Byrd and Thompson know when to push over the top and when to pull back, take in the surrounding view, and pour that beauty into their songs," he said.

"[10] Writing for Drowned in Sound, Robert Ferguson praised the opening three tracks, but felt that "from here is where Chasing After Shadows... starts to feel a bit samey.

"[9] "Halfway through the album... the euphoria starts to wear off," Reed said, "and it becomes difficult not to beg for a fresh chord change or a new instrument.