[2] In choosing Vig as the producer, bassist Nikki Monninger said "he really listens to each band member, and he puts a great value on each individual and what they can add to the music."

"[3] Brian Aubert described the album as being recorded while being in a personally dark spot in life, which prompted him to seek sobriety during the gap in the studio sessions.

[3][2][6] Paste described "It Doesn't Matter Why" as having "underlying sense of anxiety and nihilism coursing" throughout the track.

"[14] The album was also praised by Allmusic's Neil Z. Yeung, who called it "one of Silversun Pickups' most emotionally satisfying and cathartic listens.

"[12] In a negative review, Pitchfork writer Zoe Camp derided the band as being "a little big, a little brooding, but mostly boring," adding that the album is made up of "mid-tempo snoozers that are over-refined, hermetically sealed, and safe.