[2] Ritter said of the album that it "marks the beginning of a new period in [his] life," and that overall, "the songs are larger and more detailed, and feel to me as if they were painted in oil on large canvasses.

[4][5] The record's release was met with high anticipation and covered by multiple news and media publications.

[14] Irish music magazine Hot Press featured "Josh Ritter week" with free track downloads from the album, front cover picture, and interviews.

[16] The Irish Independent called it "Ritter's most intriguing and rewarding album to date, it's easily his most diverse.

"[17] Bob Boilen of NPR's All Songs Considered said of the album, "I've come to expect good records from him...but this one took my breath away.