Produced by Sitek himself, it features guest appearances from Aku of D.O.Z, Ambrosia Parsley, David Byrne, Holly Miranda, Karen O, Katrina Ford, Little Dragon and Theophilus London, as well as his TV on the Radio bandmates Kyp Malone and Tunde Adebimpe.

[2] Neil Ashman of Drowned in Sound praised the project, saying that the album "really about a great producer/songwriter exhibiting his considerable talents free from the pressure and expectation of his day job".

[4] Sam Shepherd of musicOMH wrote: "Maximum Balloon is by no means a perfect album, but there are some fantastic performances to be found (Karen O, Ambrosia Parsley's sultry Pink Bricks).

[8] Will Hermes of Rolling Stone noticed that "for his solo debut, Dave Sitek adds schwing to his smeared synths and swarming guitars, while an A list of New York voices rock midtempo goth-soul beats".

[9] Mikael Wood of Spin wrote: "on this solo-ish debut, though, he gives that funk factor full reign, recruiting pals Karen O and David Byrne to sing over synthed-up disco-rock that's brighter and bouncier than his main band's anxious throb.