After the debut album was released, Mashmakhan contributed to the musical score of the 1971 film Epilogue/Fieve, with the song "Couldn't Find the Sun."

The Family was well received by Allmusic, getting a four and a half out of five star review, along with an "AMG Album Pick."

Allmusic critic Lindsay Planer stated that the album is "a noticeably more cohesive collection," and a "thematic return" to the "rural introspection" that had "influenced much of their self-titled debut."

Lindsay stated that the opening tracks "continue in the progressive rock leanings established on their earlier effort."

Lindsay praised "Senecal's deft and ethereal flute" instantly evoking Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull and said that "Blake's delicate fretwork" had the "combo's affective vocal harmonies" highlight the tracks "The Family" and "Come Again.