[4][5] It is a concept album about the likelihood of humans becoming androids due to the forces of economic manipulation; "genetic defects", like the desire to dance, are the only things preventing the transformation.

"[10] CMJ New Music Report called the album "a stunning return," writing that Zé is "perhaps the last Brazilian Tropicalista to remain totally true to his iconoclastic roots.

"[11] The Orange County Register stated that Fabrication Defect "showcases [Zé's] off-kilter cultural cut 'n' paste style in which everything from a 'rubber balloon on tooth' to bottles can become a musical instrument.

"[12] The Village Voice concluded that "Zé doesn't simply cut and paste digital bits together into a martial disco beat, preferring unlikely material displacements of musique concrète.

"[13] AllMusic wrote that "the album is a fragmented blend of skittish acoustic guitars, booming electronic rhythms, shouted slogans, bizarre found-sound tape loops, and near-psychedelic production tricks.