"Meltdown" received generally positive reviews from music critics, some of whom commented on the band members' musicianship. The album peaked at number 5 in the UK and Scotland, and number 6 in the band's home country of Ireland. Outside of these areas, it charted in Australia, Austria, Germany, and Norway. "Meltdown" was certified gold in the UK. All of the singles, bar "Meltdown", reached the top 40 in the UK and Ireland, with "Clones" peaking the highest at number 12 in Ireland.