[1][3][4] AllMusic critic Jonathan Lewis described the record as "a promising but inconsistent debut" and stated: "The problem Scheer encounter is not being able to make the songs different enough or to keep the vocals from sounding exposed.

"[2] Anya Sacharow of Entertainment Weekly stated that the frontwoman Audrey Gallagher’s "airy, Bjorkian vocals contrast nicely with the mostly metal guitar on Infliction, despite "occasionally lapsing into a monotonous drone".

"[5] Brad Reno of Trouser Press wrote: "The band kicks up an okay racket and Audrey Gallagher is certainly a strong vocalist, but the material is not desperately memorable.

"[3] CMJ's Aaron Clow thought that the record showcases the band's technical prowess without overshadowing their songwriting.

Clow further stated: "The band lives up to its name in a few ways — it's fuzzy and velvety, but watch out for that bed of nails lurking underneath.