It is a compilation of songs recorded from the sessions of their fourth studio album, Hello Sadness (2011), most of which had only been released via the band's zine or fan website.

issued a bi-annual zine titled Heat Rash, where subscribers would receive a 7-inch single featuring two exclusive, unreleased tracks in each drop.

Writing for Far Out, Tyler Golsen called the record "seven tracks of high energy no bullshit rock and roll", demonstrating "the band at their wittiest, catchiest, and thoughtful best".

[5] Abby Jones of music publication Pitchfork commended the record's lyricism and thematic consistency with their back catalogue, "filled with the band’s sticky hooks and guttural vocals".

[6] Nick Matthopoulos of Atwood Magazine praised Whole Damn Body for presenting "beautifully and poetically miserable highs and lows", containing "clever and emotional lyrics, a range of energy and dynamics, and equally expressive instrumentation".