It was filmed on the shores of Lake Ontario, and features an interpretive performance by dance artist Nyda Kwasowsky from the National Ballet School of Canada; the video is further punctuated by a handful of Toronto skaters and global riot footage, interspersed with Lloyd's AI generated images of LA.

"[8] Second single "The Idiot" - released on August 25 - could be read as a homage to David Bowie's and Iggy Pop's friendship during their Berlin era in the late '70's.

[2] Mojo described the album as "a richly detailed synth-pop LP of admirable sophistication",[2] while Uncut's Pete Paphides highlighted the track "Wolves" and wrote that Cole "has become more of what he always was.

[12] Tim Sendra of AllMusic concluded that On Pain "is overall both an exciting artistic achievement and a record that should fit the bill for anyone looking for a very cold and sad synth pop update".

[3] John Murphy of MusicOMH wrote that "anyone who wants a nostalgia rush back to the Commotions days may be disappointed with On Pain, but for everyone else this is an effective indication of an artist steadily on his own path, and doing very well out of it".