Holding Patterns was the first release from +/- after it had expanded to a touring band. This was also the first major release from the group to feature songwriting and lead vocals by Patrick Ramos. Pitchfork Media's review of the EP coined the term "lap-rock" to describe its marriage of electronic production and indie rock. It was released in a modified version in Japan, and the US version of the EP was packaged with the band's subsequent album You Are Here in Taiwan.