[3] "Cold Chisel" was produced by the inexperienced Peter Walker, who had previously played guitar with Bakery and been an inspiration to young Ian Moss.

"[7] Don Walker, who wrote the lyrics for all the songs, described the album as being about a former lover that he had separated from long before recording commenced.

"[8] Barnes felt that early fans of the band's live performances may have been disappointed,[9] with Don Walker agreeing, "It's a bit more laid back than it should have been.

[13] Barnes said, "Every DJ in the country begged us to release "Khe Sanh" as a single.

The reviewer, Gil Wahlquist, noted the band had, "got together an impressive string of musical portraits of life in the city.

"[16] The Canberra Times said, "Cold Chisel have delivered a very impressive debut which leave me at odds in trying to lay any constructive criticism - the band just exudes potential.

It flashed and sparked, an explosion of electrical storms that at times turned into a smooth slow river of mercury.

It was jazz anarchy in its attitude; fast, loud, angry, sad, melancholic, resigned, defiant.