Rolling Stone - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "The title track is a beautifully sad country-folk tune sung in the voice of an over-the-hill wizard, making emo arrangements with himself as he prays for dragon reinforcements to show up and make him look good again in the eyes of the people he can no longer defend..." Paste (magazine) - "[E]legant and elaborate....An album with the potency to draw in new listeners and give thanks to those already in their company." Pitchfork (Website) - "John Darnielle explores the humanity of wizards, sports legends, Ozzy Osbourne, and other folk heroes and beacons of hope." Clash (Magazine) - "[M]ore groove based than recent Mountain Goats albums, and this is a good thing. Along with the usual Mountain Goats, Pallett has assembled a group of musicians who sound like they're having a blast just playing these songs."