[5] The album's musical style of "retro new wave and power pop" was inspired by Cheap Trick, the Beach Boys, and the Knack.

[5] Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne and Paul Stanley of KISS worked the band and helped co-write some tracks on the album.

According to lead guitarist Joe Guese, the cover was recorded after the album was completed and was intended for the Sky High soundtrack.

[10] Billboard's Melinda Newman opined that the grassroots following the band had developed online responsible for the high debut.

Rolling Stone's Barry Walters deemed the album and group "Simultaneously retro, current, mainstream-minded and knowing.

"[8] Gary Susman of Entertainment Weekly called it "insanely catchy blend," combining "guitar crunch, pop hooks, and Queen-worthy vocal harmonies.

"[19] Edna Gundersen of USA Today remarked, "this power-pop outfit's squeaky-clean production, catchy melodies and creamy harmonies can be deliciously addictive.