AllMusic praised the title track, writing that "Mary Timony's insightful, metaphoric lyrics are paired with an offbeat, whimsical melody ... [it's] the best track on the EP."[2]The Austin Chronicle wrote that "What Institution Are You From?" "broods with a hypnotic beat and slinky bassline."[6]Spin included the title track on its list of the 20 best singles of 1995, writing that Timony's "coyly distorted guitar may be indie rock's most intriguing instrument."[7]