An AllMusic review by Greg Turner stated "The Gateway Trio is a cooperative in the greatest sense of the word...

As a result there is always a great sense of interplay between Abercrombie's sometimes-mellow-sometimes-distorted guitar, Holland's huge toned bass, and DeJohnette's dancing drums...

[1] A separate AllMusic review by jazz critic Scott Yanow stated: "the high improvisational level makes this a set deserving of close listens.

"[2] Regarding the album's title track, Tyran Grillo wrote: "The joy in every lick and tumble is in full evidence.

DeJohnette is aflame, Abercrombie following his trail of embers with laser precision and shaving off an twist of lime for his solo, while Holland... is at his buoyant best.