Tad toured with Soundgarden to promote Inhaler although the band failed to obtain worldwide success; however, the record is widely regarded as the band's strongest and obtained positive critical reception upon release.

[1][2] On the record's sound, Chicago Tribune's Greg Kot wrote: "Not only does it capture some of the wicked humor and pile-driving groove of the band's live show, it also finds Doyle singing more or less on key.

"[3] Some songs on the album feature disturbing lyrical themes such as serial killers and child abduction.

AllMusic senior critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine praised J Mascis' production work on the album, stating that the band "gets a more focused and driven sound".

[1] Entertainment Weekly's Tom Sinclair described the album as "alternative metal at its finest-bruising ham-handed, and catchy as hell", and compared it to a "a poppier Helmet".