Customer Reviews

Blackfield II

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ridiculous. This album brought out the music freak in me; compelled me to buy an extra copy just to have on hand to give to whichever of my friends shows good enough taste to appreciate it. Something this good has to be shared.

As an avid music collector (and one who, I may add, searches mostly in vain for Prog Rock of this caliber) I discover new music exponentially more frequently than I did as a young man. (It's more available, easier to sample before you buy, etc.) But SO seldom does a new CD do to me what this one did. Like most of my all-time favorites, it took a few listenings to sink in; then on the next few it sank in deeper, until it gave me a feeling that comes too rarely to one who owns so many albums: I had the feeling, listening to Blackfield II, that it might be THE LAST CD I'D EVER HAVE TO BUY. Absurd? Yes. Did the feeling last? Of course not--it never does. If it did I wouldn't truly BE a music lover. But the feeling WAS unmistakable.

This is just one type of popular music; it's just one band of the spectrum even of Rock music--or even of Prog Rock. But if it's YOUR frequency, if this type of music hits you where you live, you'll hear what I heard: perfection.

This is Rock music with beauty as it's defining characteristic; sophisticated, wondrously arranged stuff that can be played softly or loudly to equally enjoyable effect. Songs that straddle the lands of "dark" and "catchy", two musical land masses which I previously thought didn't share a border. This is music which doesn't employ hooks but TENDRILS, the more deftly and permanently to attach itself to your brain. And once it's there you'll be glad of it, except for the itch you'll feel to turn everyone else on to the perfection YOU now hear.

Blackfield II absolutely rocks! My copy arrived in the mail last week from the Burningshed site. I never expected such brilliance. It's such a perfect album and makes me feel positive about this particular, hard-to-classify genre of music. I'm quite surprised by the distinct personality Blackfield II has, since the first album lacked a lot of upbeat songs, which to me, was a bit depressing. As a matter of fact, Blackfield II runs circles around the first album. I'm not saying the 1st album was bad, cos it wasn't. I loved it and still do. The 1st album was darker, moodier and much more melodramatic. Blackfield II is an upbeat breath of fresh air in our modern-day commercial music industry. BF II's songs are mostly ballads and, really pretty at times. Am not trying to sound corny, but the songs are excellent. All through the album are Steven Wilson's signature sliding guitar riffs, lofty keyboard arrangements, as well as that wonderful sound called "Mellotron". I love the Porcupine Tree/Pink Floyd influence, cos we all know that Steven Wilson has taken Porcupine Tree in a totally different direction with the last two PT albums. Blackfield defines "real" music all the way. Oh, one thing I should bring up before it slips my mind...Aviv Geffen sings much more on Blackfield II, and he does have a good singing voice and interesting accent.

"Epidemic" (Track 6) is incredibly dramatic and upbeat with an alternative sound. After 3 listens, it's my absolute fave BF song. SW lets out a wild cry around halfway through the song, which I'm sure he hasn't done before on any album of his material. Songs of this nature totally blow me away. As I write this review, I'm listening to the album for the 3rd time. Piano and keyboard arrangements are fluid and abundant, which definitely ties together such an album. When SW and AG aren't singing, that's when we're treated to that wonderful SW-based piano & synth sound. I'm very happy and proud to own the CD, and to know of this totally underrated band. Hopefully they won't become over-exposed and too commercial, for then their music will turn in the other direction. Blackfield II reminds me of the first time I discovered the duo...and way before that, PT and SW as a solo and band musician. From start to finish, Blackfield II is a gem, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves, appreciates and treats every aspect of a remarkable album equally.

Only complaint (not worthy of lowering my 5-star rating): the album is too short. Just like the 1st album, Blackfield II is short and the songs pass too quickly, although there are only 10 songs. Still, good things don't last long enough. Track 9 (Where is My Love) can be found on the 2CD or 1CD re-issue of their 1st album....which is a great song that leads up to a catchy refrain, sung mostly by Aviv.

The CD is housed in a nifty tri-fold digipack with lots of photos and/or artwork. Printed on matte paperboard, the digipack is definitely subject to easy damage if mis-treated. Although it's not as sturdy as some other digipacks, it is still sturdy and appears to be well-produced. The disc itself features an enlarged portion of the band's name (taken from the front cover) and rests in the center panel of the package, while the 8-page booklet is housed inside the right panel. Inside the booklet are full lyrics, credits and cool photos of SW and AG. As SW has done with all his re-issues on the Snapper label, you will find an insert advertising all the re-issues of SW's material on Snapper. This is great publicity for SW's greatly underrated music of past & present.

Tracklisting:
01- Once
02- 1,000 People
03- Miss U
04- Christenings
05- This Killer
06- Epidemic
07- My Gift of Sacrifice
08- Some Day
09- Where is My Love?
10- End of the World
~Total Playing Time: 42:34~

Other Info:
- Produced and mixed by Steven Wilson in Tel Aviv and London, Feb-June 2006
- Made In England

THE BAND: Steven Wilson (co-writer, producer & performer - vocals, guitar), and Aviv Geffen (co-writer and performer - keyboards, guitars, vocals), Daniel Soloman (piano), Seffy Efrati (bass), Tomer Z (drums & percussion). Other guest performers join in - Gavin Harrison (drums), Richard Barbieri (electric piano & stylophone), and Ofer Meiri (keyboards).

THE DISC: (2007) 10 tracks clocking in at approximately 42 minutes. Included with the disc is a 6-page booklet containing song titles/credits, song lyrics, photos of Wilson & Geffen. Recorded during 2006, back and forth between Wilson's home in the U.K. and Geffen's in Tel Aviv, Israel. Label - Atlantic / Helicon Ltd.

COMMENTS: If you liked Blackfield's first (self titled) release from 2005, no doubt you'll enjoy "II" as well. For the most part, it's more of the same. Only difference may be a little more pop, and less atmosphere. Wilson's primary band, Porcupine Tree, is much more of a daring hard rock / progressive outfit... where Blackfield is low key, safe, a Porcupine Tree "lite" if you will (kind of in the same vein as Maynard James Keenan's main band Tool and his softer side project A Perfect Circle). I do feel that Geffen's keyboards get more emphasis on "II" (when comparing to Blackfield's debut). Wilson's guitars are merely in the background on many tracks. No issue from me, but if you are yearning for some shredding guitar solos, you won't find them here (Wislon's best guitar work is on track 6, "Epidemic"). Wilson and Geffen share the vocal duties on 3 tracks. Geffen has lead vocals on only 1 song, where Wilson has the lead to himself on 6. Blackfield is a great listen as background music (not the kind of disc you reach for when departing on a long road trip). Pretty songs filled with melody and texture. The lyrics for the most part are pretty bleak (pity, self hate, miserable childhood, love lost, etc), with only a few upbeat tracks. The last 3 tracks on the disc, though beautifully constructed, are a real downer - "Some Day", "Where Is My Love?", and "End Of The World". "Some Day" lyrics pretty much some up the attitude... "No one cares / About that f***ing pretty face you have / It means nothing much this life / So find the highest cliff and dive". To know Steve Wilson is to appreciate his music - whether working here with Geffen in Blackfield, with his main band Porcupine Tree, or his other side projects - including No Man (with Tim Bowness). "II" is solid, yet safe... and the only bad thing I have to say here is that it doesn't sound at all different from Blackfield's first (4+ stars).

I loved this album from beginning to end. I held off on reviewing it for over a year to be sure it wasn't just initial infatuation. It sure wasn't.

For fans of Porcupine Tree, you will hear the indelible contributions of Steve Wilson's otherworldly sonic delivery. This album is filled with of emotion. The music coincides with the lamenting lyrics that give you goose bumps. It reveals tortures of the soul though beautiful metaphor. Steve and Aviv play off each other so well, their harmonies riveting.

But even as you remain transfixed by the music, you will find yourself wanting to further explore the melodic ambiance that flows from song to song. A lovely combination of acoustics, synth, piano, and striking electric guitar and percussion will not disappoint you. It has all the best elements of 80's New Wave and Rock with a distinctly modern vibe. The music is overlaid with heartache, anger and pessimism, yet it is juxtaposed by music that lends to a sense of contemplative hopefulness. Production is impeccable, as fans of Wilson's work have come to expect.

"Once" opens BII and sets the mood for what is to follow. "1000 People" is a favorite song with its amazing harmonies, instrumentation and powerful lyrics. It is supported by lyrics such as "They're shouting my name but I wanna die in this moment I wanna die...." Powerful stuff. Closing things is the anthemic "End of the World" that starts with a slow simmer gradually builds to a haunting climax, "Take this pill it will make you feel dizzy, And then give you wings, Soon boy you'll fall into sleep, Without nightmares, Without any dreams..."

A solid 5 star second release, it surpasses a hard to beat first outing handily. I just wish it were a bit longer than 3/4 of an hour. Fans of that and Stupid Dream era Porcupine Tree, don't miss this one!

It's probably a good thing I never reviewed the first Blackfield album. I would have been inclined to give it five stars, but in comparison to this new one... wow.

For those of you unfamiliar, Blackfield is a project consisting of Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree, No-Man, and much more) and Israeli musician Aviv Geffen. An odd mix that works, and works beautifully - most of the songs are Geffen's, but contain Wilson's production talents.

What to expect? Mainly low-key, lush tracks. A few times the guitars crank up but they're used tastefully. It's an album you only need to spin twice to get it - after the second time, each track is in your memory. They're THAT good.

Highlights? Hard to choose, but for me it's "The End Of The World". Great lyric, incredible execution. Geffen is used beautifully here, taking the lead vocal on the bridge - and offering a bit of edge that may not have been as edgy with Wilson taking it. Orchestration on this track (and the whole CD for that matter) is top notch.

Also check out "1000 People", which teases you in the beginning with it's simplicity. As soon as the hook comes in, the sound just COVERS you. It's one of Steven Wilson's finest recorded moments and has harmonies that will melt you. Promise.

So far, the CD of 2007. And I don't see anyone coming close.

I'm a huge fan of Steven Wilson. In my opinion, he is the best songwriter working today, so naturally I gravitate to all of his projects. The original Blackfield record was an amazing album created alongside Isreali singer/songwriter Aviv Geffen, and featured a beautiful, mellow soundscape. Blackfield II eclipses the original in scope, sonic quality and sheer beauty. The first album had extreme highs with individual songs, but they didn't quite flow together (they were all recorded at different points in time over the span of a few years; fans will know that "Cloudy Now," "Pain," and the title track soared above most of the other material). This is not the case with Blackfield II, as nearly every song is cohesive with the rest, making for a more atmospheric experience. Steven and Aviv split songwriting duties, and it is much more difficult to differentiate which writer is responsible for which song this time around. My standout tracks are "Once," "Epidemic," "My Gift of Silence," and "The End of the World," which all feature the prerequisite layered harmonies and distinctive melodies (there are also lush, orchestral backings to many songs). If you enjoyed the original record or are a fan of any of Wilson's other projects, you will be floored. Blackfield II is a masterpiece of atmosphere, beauty and harmony.

...received my disc of Blackfield II from Burning Shed and I COULD NOT get it into my CD player fast enough. Having been completely blown away by the first CD, my mind was racing, imagining what they could have come up with this time. Was it worth the wait?

Well...yes and no. And I have a feeling there are going to be very split opinions on this release.

First the "no." The Product Review states that this CD, unlike the first one, was done in "one short burst of activity." I hate to say it, but it kind of shows. Maybe it's just me and it needs to grow on me more, but I immediately got the sense that Steve and Aviv might have had Powers That Be breathing down their necks, telling them to get on with it and get done with it. That may or may not be true, but the majority of the disc sounded rushed. I also got the impression that Other Voices might have "suggested" (read that as, subtle command) that they ROCK OUT a little more on this disc...and that shows, too. For me, their strength was and remains in their slower-paced, hypnotic, haunting, neo-psychedelic ballads. I guess there's the possibility that Steve (and maybe Aviv as well) doesn't want to be remembered as a "balladeer," but as someone who could fill both ends of the sonic spectrum...and in and of itself, there's not a thing wrong with that. But I draw a comparison to James Taylor, another musical idol of mine: James does OK on the occasions when he "rocks out," but his real strength is in his acoustic guitar ballads...right? The final thing I'll say here is I didn't see the necessity of re-doing "Where Is My Love?" The original version runs circles around this new one, and it immediately brought to mind that old saw about "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

OK, before I get cut into little pieces, here's the "yes." This sophomore release from the guys is FAR from a piece of tripe. As has been the case with Porcupine Tree with every new CD, they are showing growth and evident sophistication in their songwriting. The rock songs here ARE good (<==he said with a grumble in his voice), but the slower-paced songs on here are stellar. Some have already stated that they're more or less repeating the same formula used on the first CD...and that's something that's never really bothered me. (Cases in point: Enya's releases. The first 7 albums of the Moody Blues. King Crimson's 1st two albums, IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING and IN THE WAKE OF POSEIDON.) And as one other person has already stated, it does sound like they're trying to reach a larger audience...and again, nothing necessarily wrong with that. I just don't want to see them tread any closer to the dreaded realms of Top 40 and end up selling their souls.

Bottom line? If you're a P-Tree and/or Blackfield fan, this one's definitely worth snatching up, and I'll definitely keep listening to it.
It will be interesting to see what new tricks Steven has up his sleeve with the new P-Tree CD coming out next month. An-ti-ci-pation!

Those who say that no good music is being made today are either stuck in the past or they have no imagination. With the issue of his side project Blackfield II, Porcupine Tree's Steven Wilson proves that he is one of today's pre-eminent all-round musicians.
Teaming up once again with Israeli musician Aviv Geffen, Wilson brings to the musical banquet a smorgasbord of tunes that can best be described as a good solid marriage of prog and pop deeply imbued with melancholy and despair. You'll want to listen over and again as the music gradually penetrates your soul and sets a pensive and very introspective soundstage.
I like the whole CD, short as it is. But certain songs stand out, adding heft and solidifying my opinion that Blackfield II is one of the best albums to date for 2007. My favorites are 1000 People, This Killer, Epidemic, Someday, and the climactic End of the World.
Obviously, Blackfield II comes highly recommended, but most particularly to those of a thoughtful and serious nature. If you are already acquainted with Steven Wilson via Porcupine Tree, then you already have an idea how good this is going to be. If you are completely new to this type of music, then take a chance. You may find that you can't get enough of it.

This is not music that is going to blow your doors off, or leave your jaw on the floor, but it is a collection of very good songs. If you are familiar with the last several Porcupine Tree records, imagine the songs being more mellow with greater emphasis on piano, acoustic guitar, and strings. And that is what you will get with Blackfield.

I'm 46 years old, a music lover of all genres, and I own over 1,400 CD's. I first got into Porcupine Tree (Steven Wilson's primary band) and I own everything they have ever done! Steven Wilson is a musical genious and everything he has ever done is amazing. Blackfield is no exception. It's a little "lighter" than PT, but just as good in my opinion. I love EVERY song on this album. I can't wait to see Blackfield performing in Chicago in May to support their 3rd album (which comes out March 28th). I bought the tickets today and I'm so excited I can't wait!!! Mr. Wilson's music saved my life!!!