Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 13
  2. Negative: 2 out of 13
  1. It goes awry for Black Mountain, devolving into a collection of musical segments that prove that the members have really important record collections and strong political views. The crucial thing that is missing is internal inspiration.
  2. Comets on Fire, 90 Day Men and No Doctors all released albums within the last year that proved classic rock to be relevant in today's music community. The difference between these bands and Black Mountain is that it doesn't sound like the members of Black Mountain had to crush their souls to write their songs.
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Mar 1, 2012
    6
    It doesn't always land where it aims but what redeems this record is just that. It consistently goes just askew from where you think it will.It doesn't always land where it aims but what redeems this record is just that. It consistently goes just askew from where you think it will. The effect of this is, depending on your temperament, either adventurous or annoying. After the mission statement of an opener, Modern Music, the band begrudgingly settles in until successive tracks, Set Us Free and No Hits, form the centerpiece. The latter features a relentless synth line, amid Patti Smith folk noir and Velvet's anti-psychedelia, that will have you seeing Michael Myers (no not the SNL guy) and the former smolders before rising into crescendo. Born of disparate parts, Black Mountain is almost overwhelming. It's a classic rock record for those who hate the idea of classic rock. And if that doesn't seem like a glowing endorsement it might be because the band hints throughout that their favorite joy is sneaking up on people. Full Review »
  2. RH
    Mar 17, 2006
    8
    This was a pretty strong release that was sadly ignored last year by most. It's really got a lot of interest for anyone who even mildly This was a pretty strong release that was sadly ignored last year by most. It's really got a lot of interest for anyone who even mildly enjoys classic rock. Full Review »