"[21] Katie Bird of Distorted Sound stated that "Whilst a couple of the songs don't quite hit all the right notes, the rest of the album is masterful...The band do try new things, but these just hint at what's to come, which leaves the future open.

The impression these songs make is instant, but scratch beneath the surface, and there's so much more to love about the heart, hurt and craft that has gone into this album.

"[22] Metal Hammer gave the album a positive review and stated that "As a whole, The Surface is a sharp, poignant and blazingly cathartic celebration of life, warts and all.

[24] Simon Crampton of Rock Sins stated, "They manage to make music that is deeply personal, excruciatingly honest, accessible, catchy as hell and still heavier than most of what their peers are doing.

"[25] Melinda Welsh of Spill Magazine felt that lyrically, [Shomo shows] incredible strides on his journey to find a better version of himself.

"[26] Paul Brown of Wall of Sound was positive towards the album saying: "the innovation [Caleb Shomo] has made through the storytelling of this Disgusting, Aggressive, Disease, Below, The Surface needs to be commended.