Jim Allen of Allmusic states that the EP ranges between "raw, garagey punk explosions" and "quirky, angular, post-punk-influenced creep-rock nuggets" with "a dark, edgy feel".

[2] Sputnik Music describes the EP as an "outstanding debut" with "just enough of a taste to leave listeners dying for what a full length album will sound like".

states that the EP sounds "like a natural enough progression from Young Machetes" with "enough fresh perspective on instrumentation and melodic impetus" to establish the band as a distinct entity.

[7] Clash states that the songs of the EP "pack a much rawer punch, having more in common with Fugazi and Hüsker Dü" compared to "Jaguar Love's many-layered arrangements".

[8] Jonah Flicker of Blurt states that the EP proves that Past Lives sounds more interesting and arguably closer to the style of Blood Brothers.