The album made a departure from the two previous albums Moseley Shoals and Marchin' Already, and is slower and sadder. It was panned by critics who accused it of being too commercial and labelled it "dad rock". The album was dismissed by David Belcher of The Herald, who commented on its "strangled vocals" and "cringe-worthy lyrics."[7] Nicholas Barber writing for The Independent concurred saying: "Much of the blame must rest on Simon Fowler. His mangled vocals and nonsense lyrics suggest that he doesn't know what it is he wants to communicate."[8]
The protest song "Profit in Peace" was the first single, with "So Low" and then a double release of "I Am the News"/"July". The song "Soul Driver" is dedicated to Paul Weller, who mentored the band.