[4] Mandarin Dynasty's use of layered vocal harmonies and unconventional instrumentation has led press to compare the group to both The Beach Boys and Neutral Milk Hotel.
Soon after forming, the band began playing shows within the American independent music scene, embarking on extensive tours with Viking Moses, Deer Tick, Stephen Steinbrink & French Quarter, and Thanksgiving.
[9] Perpendicular Crosstalk received positive reviews from In Your Speakers and Impose, while earning the band comparisons to the production styles of Brian Wilson, Neutral Milk Hotel and of Montreal.
[2][12] In 2012, Mandarin Dynasty’s song "I Took Note" was covered by the band Diamond Rugs (a supergroup featuring members of Los Lobos, Black Lips, Six Finger Satellite, Dead Confederate and Deer Tick) on their 2012 self-titled album.
[4][15][16] Fresh Air music contributor Ken Tucker stated that Sherk's song detailed "the ways in which a budding artist might prepare to create worthwhile art, suffering for it even as it yields an endearing melody.