Imagery describing the volcano and its magma chamber, the condition of the victims of the eruption, and the subsequent discovery and excavation of the city comprises the bulk of the lyrics.

Spin hailed the group for creating "this intoxicating wonderful commercial dance record without losing their edge".

Reviewer John Leland said, "In a month of good dance rock records, this is the best", and noted that it was "full bodied, dense, with layers of chugging funk guitars, toy piano, and various electronic things".

He concluded with praise for Siouxsie's performance: "It's rare these days to find a full production job that draws its identity from the voice".

A cover by electronic artist Junkie XL was released as a single in 2008, and included on the Booming Back at You album, the soundtrack for the racing video game Burnout Paradise and the compilation album OMFGG – Original Music Featured on Gossip Girl No.