"[9] In a review for AllMusic, Dean McFarlane called the band "a group of extraordinary musicians from the free jazz, progressive rock, and improvisation scenes," and wrote: "Brotherhood of Breath created one of the defining recordings of ethno-jazz with this album... [it] is driven by the organic pulse of the rhythm section -- bassist Harry Miller and drummer Louis Moholo, no less -- who will be names familiar to fans of British free jazz.

"[1] Critic Tom Hull awarded the album a grade of "A−", and described the music as "Township jive with avant drive and distortions, a marvelous formula McGregor sustained for two decades.

"[11] Writing for Point of Departure, Bill Shoemaker called the recording "an album that flowed effortlessly from beginning to end," with "MRA" as "an ideal, exhilarating opening track."

"[13] W. C. Bamberger stated: "What caught jazz and even pop fans' ears and imaginations was the feeling that the band was barely under control, a raging giant rhythm and sound generator that might take them anywhere.

A reputation well-deserved - with the Keith Moon-meets-Roy Tyner drumming of Moholo, Pukwana's crosscut alto and Feza's shape-shifting pocket trumpet together carrying the standard of 'freedom above all.