[6] They subsequently signed to Topshelf Recordings in October 2009,[7] and reissued their debut album in January 2010 through digital media outlets and on CD.
Andrew Kelham of Rock Sound gave the album a nine out of ten, and wrote that "With a why-just-write-a-song-when-you-can-write-an-epic attitude, the eight songs on their second record are distinguished, articulate and immersive as their juddering post-hardcore clashes with moments of Explosions in the Sky rivalling tenderness and Mogwai-esque grandeur.
"[8] Writing for Alternative Press, Brian Shultz gave the album four out of five stars and said that the group has, "quietly refined their craft over the last few years into an incredibly cathartic and sporadically chilling mode.
[13] In January 2011, the Pianos Become The Teeth had begun writing a new album, and described the new songs as being "darker and heavier" than previous material, and that they would not become "Old Pride part 2," alluding to new musical direction.
[16] Topshelf Records released the LP The Lack Long After, a concept album about vocalist Kyle Durfey's father's death from multiple sclerosis,[17] on November 1, 2011, with a supporting tour with Touché Amoré and Seahaven following shortly after.
The Will Yip-produced album is noted for its stylistic departure from earlier releases, featuring a less aggressive sound and no screamed vocals from Kyle Durfey.
"[25] Musically, Pianos Become The Teeth write songs influenced by early screamo acts such as Envy, City of Caterpillar and Funeral Diner, and also post-rock bands like This Will Destroy You.
"[27] The track "Cripples Can't Shiver" outlines Durfey's father, and how his struggles with multiple sclerosis impacted his life.