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

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  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. 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.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. Expand
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. Busts open half-lidded Velvet Underground fetishisms with squalls of Blue Cheer guitar, and further channels the heady sounds of the late '60s with a moodily dwelling organ.
  2. The disc is truly beautiful on the ears, filled with gorgeous dynamics, crisp, discordant playing and impressive production to boot.
  3. Black Mountain is as mundane, bleak, and hollow as the cover art would suggest.