"[2] A press release accompanying the song's debut included a statement from Hall: One of the things this album explores is the emotional and creative experience of geometric space.

"Intrepid", in particular, considers distance and the outer rim of the magnet's pull; how the size of the world can bring our personal relationships into focus.

[5] "Intrepid" was teased in live concerts prior to its official debut;[5] they shared the song on social media platforms shortly after posting the last portion of their aforementioned Command + S series on November 1, 2017.

"[7] Billboard's Rob Arcand observed that "the track comes loaded with all the sort of ringing wordplay and unfettered enthusiasm that made their breakout Cardinal so memorable.

"[3] Spin contributor Arielle Gordon considered it an advancement of their sound, commenting, "The winding, melodic guitar compliments [sic] the standard emo chord progressions in a back and forth that keeps the song feeling fresh until its subdued ending.