The Brooklyn Paper reported that, after the release of Trust Not Those in Whom Without Some Touch of Madness and the touring of Europe and Australia that ensued, Zedek believed she and her band "had taken the viola, drums, guitar thing as fas as [they] could.

[12] Both Braman and Coughlin had played bass and drums, respectively, in Zedek's previous band Come’s final record Gently, Down the Stream, after the departure of the original rhythm section consisting of Sean O’Brien and Arthur Johnson.

"[16] In his review of the album for The Phill(er), novelist Doug Cowie describes it as "an hour of melodic, rocking, aching music that wears its country, blues and punk hats in a surprisingly complicated and layered way […] and it's played by a terrific band.

"[17] Meanwhile, in her review for AllMusic, Heather Phares remarks that "Liars and Prayers’ only flaw may be that its unflagging intensity is almost overwhelming, given that the album is nearly an hour long, but it's still some of Zedek's most thoughtful and full-bodied work.

"[20] In Joe Gross’ positive review of the album for Spin, he asserts that "[m]elodrama is Zedek’s natural state, and augmenting her touring crew of drums and viola with bass and piano fills out the lyrical paranoia — guitar rushes and soaring riffs speak louder than words.