However, he added that "the good ultimately outweighs the bad, making for a flawed but still satisfying debut." Emily Mackay of Playlouder compared the band with The Duke Spirit, Sons and Daughters and Tarnation, and she commented, "Howling Bells have crafted a unique, glossy, gothic gloom." She finished with a word of caution: "It veers close, however, to being too polished ... Howling Bells run the risk of being just picturesque melancholy."
A reviewer praised Howling Bells' debut album as flawed but satisfying, comparing them to other bands like The Duke Spirit, Sons and Daughters, and Tarnation. Emily Mackay of Playlouder noted their unique, glossy, gothic gloom while cautioning that they could become overly polished.