Written almost entirely by lead singer Elizabeth Elmore, the album was well-received critically.

The Los Angeles Times gave the album 3.5 out of 4 stars, saying that "[Elmore's] streaming anecdotes give the listener the feeling of walking right into the middle of life-altering events.

The College Music Journal's Amy Wan called the album "showcase for Elmore's powerfully biting lyrics and her passionate voice, dancing deftly between little-girl sweet and outright roar,"[5] and Robert Christgau of the Village Voice gave the album an A−.

The album featured regular members Elmore, Sean Hulet (on guitar), and Joel Root (bass).

With Elmore on vocals, Root on upright bass, and Romanski on drums, the cover also featured former Wilco guitarist Jay Bennett on piano.