Some commentators picked up on a sense of solace and ease in Noonan’s lyrics, with Brynn Davies of "The Music" commenting that the album was "elegantly melancholy, reflecting the determination, optimism and bittersweet musings of a band finding wisdom in the next stages of their lives and careers". In its review of the album, "Hot Press" magazine noted that "The Upswing" (released as single four months ahead of "Arms") was "Bell X1 at their melancholic moodiest, but still optimistic and hopeful", while "I’ll Go Where You Go" was addressing the concerns of being a touring musician and parent at the same time.