Released in Australia on 2 September 1996 Polydor, the album was produced by Tim Whitten and widely considered Powderfinger's mainstream breakthrough.

Prior to its release, guitarist Darren Middleton described it as "by far the best thing we've done", an analogy that would be often made when comparing the album to its predecessor, Parables for Wooden Ears.

[1] Lead singer Bernard Fanning noted that another important element of the album was that there "was more space in the songs, it wasn't overcrowded".

[2] the guitarist Ian Haug agreed, stating the music was "more melodic and sort of simpler", without "so many different time signatures and things".

[3] Rolling Stone author Tracey Grimson also commented on this, stating that "Powderfinger have become practical advocates of space" and lauding their acknowledgment that the "absence of sound can be lush, evocative".

She noted that even in the "rockers" on the album songs—like "Pick You Up" and "Skinny Jean"—the band were still able to pull back and give the songs additional space.

Previously, the band had worked with Tony Cohen, whom Fanning stated was expensive due to his success in the industry.

[19] The second song is called "SS" which refers to British cricket bat manufacturer Stuart Surridge, which is often known by those initials.

[21] Double Allergic was well received by Allmusic, with reviewer Jonathan Lewis claiming that Powderfinger "managed to successfully create an album of melodic pop songs coupled with noisy guitars".

The level of experimentation in the album was praised, with the reviewer stating that "the instrument playing and some of the unusual styles used" were beneficial.

[23] Juice magazine reviewed Double Allergic positively, calling it a much more mature album than its predecessor, Parables for Wooden Ears.

The "band's mellowing tone", compared to the "aggression" in past works, was also commended, with the review stating that "the result is an album filled with potential and character".