"brainbloodvolume" finds the band "decisively stepping beyond" their usual style "to embrace a variety of styles and approaches," and is marked by "ultramodern production", electronics and sampling, all of which were introduced to a lesser extent on "are you normal?" ned raggett of allmusic said the album was "brimming with energy and a willingness to experiment" while "retaining the yearning heart" of many early songs by the band. the album is "an altogether happier effort" than its predecessor and shows the band seeming "confident and relaxed enough to work; the songs appear to be the result of actual woodshedding, not last-minute whip-ups."