"Heartstrings" was released worldwide in June 2014. The album received generally favourable reviews from music critics. "NME" rated it 7/10 and professed, "Howling Bells aren't back to their best, but they're within touching distance". "Q" magazine rated it 3/5 and commented, ""Heartstrings" lacks the killer song that would bring Howling Bells the success they undoubtedly crave". The album failed to chart in any nation. Howling Bells headlined shows throughout the UK in May and June. They played V Festival in the UK in August and a short series of shows in Australia and New Zealand in September.