Reviewing Sleeping with Ghosts, BBC.co.uk's rock/indie reviewer Dan Tallis described "The Bitter End" as "a good pop tune", having "just the right amount of dark, gothic atmosphere to please their fans and enough radio friendly guitars to please the new generation of indie kids."
Dan Tallis, BBC.co.uk's music reviewer, praised "The Bitter End" as an engaging pop track that strikes a balance between its dark, atmospheric qualities and radio-friendly instrumentation, making it appealing to both old and new fans of the band.