Dumb Waiters
Upon its release, Simon Ludgate of Record Mirror described Dumb Waiters as being full of "wistful, romantic pop songs" and concluded, "Although definitely a case of filing under 'easy listening', this album is of sound body and mind."[2] Ian Cranna of Smash Hits noted that "skilful borrowing" of "elements as varied as the Regents, old film songs, disco and electronics" have been "blended into this simple, very tuneful and very appealing album".He continued, "Add a bright, modernised feel, the distinctive soft shoe vocal delivery behind that massive string synthesiser, some quirky humour plus a large, unabashed streak and you get the Korgis' intelligent candyfloss for sentimental types."[6] Jim Whiteford of the Kilmarnock Standard considered it a "worthwhile follow-up" to the band's debut album and noted their "sweet melodic approach".[8] Peter Kinghorn of Newcastle's The Journal commented that "inevitable comparisons with [their] excellent debut album produce disappointment".