Black Mountain
by Black Mountain
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 13
  3. Negative: 2 out of 13
  1. cokemachineglow
    54
    Black Mountain is as mundane, bleak, and hollow as the cover art would suggest.
  2. Dusted Magazine
    50
    Like many of their retro-rock peers, however, the band struggles to find a personal identity that transcends imitation and homage; the result is an album that, while excellent at moments, often falls victim to its own stylistic incertitude.
  3. Village Voice
    60
    I'd call it "psych-drone-sludge" except it's more tuneful and lively than those words imply.

Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Most Shared Album of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. TristramIV
    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 »
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