The Black Magic Show
by Elefant
  • Record Label: Kemado
  • Release Date: Apr 18, 2006
Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 10
  3. Negative: 2 out of 10
  1. Alternative Press
    80
    Epic and memorable. [Jun 2006, p.188]
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  2. Amazon.com
    70
    Garcia and company wear their '80s influences proudly throughout, yet bring enough fresh ideas to the mix to avoid being mere slaves to precious retro-fashion.
  3. Urb
    70
    The result is a sound of un-epic mopeyness, more surface than interior and arguably more truthful because of it. [Apr 2006, p.84]
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  5. AllMusic
    60
    The Black Magic Show is a decent move forward for Elefant. A little more sincerity and a little less swagger might have been nice though.
  6. PopMatters
    50
    So, no matter what you hear from the PR spinners, this album is not groundbreaking.
  7. Under The Radar
    50
    And though the desire to not repeat themselves is admirable, one longs for precisely what made the first record such a rare breed. [#13, p.85]
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  8. Blender
    40
    What's the point of a cheesy goth-pop record that isn't any fun? [May 2006, p.105]
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  9. Prefix Magazine
    40
    The guitar work is straight out of the Velvet Underground/Television songbook, and the production begs for comparisons to the Strokes or Interpol. That's not to say being compared to these folks is bad, it's just that those comparisons don't reveal how unimaginative The Black Magic Show really is.
  10. Pitchfork
    36
    Elefant's latest is only as deep as its clenched-jaw fake-Brit hooks.
  11. Stylus Magazine
    25
    A dull, droning bit of mainstream rock.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 17
  3. Negative: 4 out of 17
  1. justinN
    Nov 22, 2006
    8
    If you're a fan of Elefant, BUY NOW!!! If you are just getting into them, sample a few tracks, then buy. This album isn't new If you're a fan of Elefant, BUY NOW!!! If you are just getting into them, sample a few tracks, then buy. This album isn't new ground for them, but it puts you into a simular state of mind as "Sunlight Makes Me Paranoid." I'd prefer to hear experimentation w/o loosing their original sound, but there's always next album.… Full Review »
  2. michaelv.
    Jul 30, 2006
    8
    Totally underrated. Pure pop with an edge. I love it, one of this years best.
  3. sandys
    Jun 29, 2006
    5
    got into the first album on flight back from tenerife and was elated at performance. Have to say if it was this pretty lacklustre album, I got into the first album on flight back from tenerife and was elated at performance. Have to say if it was this pretty lacklustre album, I may have got of the flight.… Full Review »
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