Writing for "Rolling Stone", Don Shewey of "Rolling Stone" found "Black Sea" to be overall consistent—with the exception of "Travels in Nihilon", which he wrote "strays from the intersection of punk and pop where XTC are most at home". Jeff Tamarkin of "CMJ New Music Report" described the album as a refinement on "Drums and Wires" with "superb production, musicianship and writing", although he expressed disappointment towards the lack of Moulding songs. He predicted the band would "find itself with an even wider audience, because there's plenty here to satisfy even the most timid radio programmer and borderline rock dance club DJ."