The Sliding and Diving EP was Tanya Donelly's first foray into the realm of the solo performer. The four new songs on this EP (two of which would later appear on her debut full-length, Lovesongs for Underdogs) give a glimpse of a songwriter emerging from the shadow of her former bands with confidence and identity intact. While not a radical departure from the infectious pop songs she wrote and performed with Belly or Throwing Muses, it's inevitable that this material would sound different. The best example of this is "Bum," the lead track that opens with Donelly whispering "oh yeah, baby" before the song explodes into a wash of drum machines and synthesizers. What really makes this EP worth the ducats, though, are the two ballads, "Restless" and "Swoon." With their simple arrangements laden with weepy strings, organ, and pedal steel guitar, these are two of the singer/songwriter's best tunes, and make this EP a must-own for any Tanya Donelly or Belly fan. ~ Bryan Carroll, All Music Guide
