It was the band's first studio album, following two live releases, and their first record following the departure of former frontman Bruce Hampton.

In a review for AllMusic, JT Griffith wrote: "The album is packed with some great jams and beautiful sounds," but noted that although it "probably translated well live," "on record the band falls flat.

"[1] John Swenson, editor of The Rolling Stone Jazz & Blues Album Guide, awarded the album 4 stars, calling it "a burnished fusion effort featuring magnificent performances from Herring and Oteil Burbridge.

"[2] Writer Dean Budnick commented: "The level of musicianship is quite high on this disc... Burbridge is... creative and compelling...

"[3] No Treble's Ryan Madora praised Burbridge's playing on "The Garden," stating that he "exhibits impeccable technique," and "uses clever interval leaps and chords during the flute solo, only to give way to a fierce and acutely punctuated groove before returning to the original theme.