""What Took You So Long" does everything that a good sophomore disc should: it strengthens the chemistry (...), the result of touring opportunities that stemmed from the success of "You Had Me At Goodbye" ...; it further defines the trio's voice, which is predicated on lyrical intent and restrained but undeniable virtuosity; and it demonstrates Eriksen's growth as a composer ... If "You Had Me At Goodbye" reflected the intrinsic classicism of e.s.t., but with less of the look-at-me gymnastics and an entirely acoustic complexion, it also spoke to the influence of a fellow Norwegian pianist, Tord Gustavsen, whose recordings on ECM have gone from one strength to another, but in the quietest, most Zen-like of ways. Like Gustavsen, Eriksen is not averse to cooking, but does so at generally lower temperatures, though there are moments on "What Took You So Long" where the band turns things up to a slow boil".
