The Black Session [Live]
by Wire
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. AllMusic
    Feb 14, 2012
    60
    Even when Wire focuses on their not-so-classic material, they sound great in a live environment.
  2. Pitchfork
    Feb 8, 2012
    63
    In the context of Wire's catalog, this is just another document of incremental change, and not even the best live recording they've made lately (that would be their gorgeous Daytrotter session from 2008).
  3. Uncut
    Feb 9, 2012
    80
    Angular oldies like "Map Ref 41N 93W" and Kidney Bingos" still sparkle, and the relentless "Drill" is boring in all the right ways. [Mar 2012, p.107]
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  5. Mojo
    Mar 23, 2012
    80
    Their performance here has an audible sizzle. [Apr 2012, p.95]
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  6. Under The Radar
    Mar 21, 2012
    40
    Something of a head-scratcher, showcasing neither one of their best performances, nor really one of a highest quality-recording.... Fans looking for cuts from the band's early work are better steered toward their Legal Bootleg series. [Mar 2012, p.87]
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  7. Exclaim
    Feb 10, 2012
    80
    They're still more than capable of cranking up the guitars and making the kind of caustic, spiky noise that's been their trademark for more than 30 years, especially live.
  8. Consequence
    Feb 8, 2012
    60
    Some of the finer details might be lost on the live presentation, but it's nothing to cry about when you consider that you're hearing Wire in their natural habitat.
  9. Dusted Magazine
    Feb 8, 2012
    70
    It is a very accurate document of Wire's 2011 live set; its strengths and weak spots correspond exactly to the ones of the concert they played in Chicago the same year.
  10. The Independent (UK)
    Feb 8, 2012
    60
    The loss of its uplifting chorus harmonies deprives "Map Ref" of its sunny appeal, but "Two People In a Room" bowls along briskly with dissonant monochord tension.
  11. The Quietus
    Mar 6, 2012
    70
    It remains obvious that Wire's sense of wry intelligence and drama remain intact.
  12. BBC Music
    Feb 14, 2012
    80
    Immaculately-placed jibes that slice to the bone and highlight a sharp, intellectual take on rock music that continues to prove you don;t have to dumb things down while letting your pop sensibilities win out.
  13. Blurt Magazine
    Feb 10, 2012
    80
    The Black Session is a fitting testament to the current state of one of the English underground's most unshakable acts.

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