Blackfield

Blackfield | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Snapper
• ASIN: B0002K720E
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #386,717 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Porcupine Tree light, September 24, 2004

By 

Kort "Art, Music, Book & Movie Enthusiast" (Boca Raton, FL, United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Blackfield (Audio CD)

Yes, I agree with the other reviewers that this album could well be another release from Porcupine Tree. Granted, it is a bit mellower than their more recent releases Stupid Dream and In Absentia. There are a few touches of harder edged rock, but as a whole it is melodic soft rock album that harkens back to the Lightbulb Sun days of PT.

I keep talking about Blackfield like it is a PT release. Yes, Steve Wilson collaborated with Aviv Geffen to form Blackfield, but one is hard pressed to hear much Aviv's influence. Having listened to the album several times already, I only hear Aviv singing the main vocals for two songs. Also, the two musicians voices work extremely well together to create outstanding PT style harmonizing. Aviv has a bit more edge to his slightly deeper voice, but it nicely compliments Steve's silky singing. Steve Wilson's intrumentation, arrangements and production styles show through, though they both co-wrote most of the work here.

I digress. Is this CD worth your money? I would have to give that a resounding "YES!" I don't know of anyone who does not find something to like in Steve Wilson's music and since I've established Blackfield is very much his sound, then that should still hold true. Fans of Lightbulb Sun era Porcupine Tree should eat this up. With its clever, insightful lyrics, subtle yet powerful production, trademark SW harmonizing and beautifully played songs, I don't see how any person who enjoys quality music can go wrong with this one.

Standout songs for me are the title track, Open Mind, Scars, Lullaby, Pain and Hello.
The bonus disk has 3 tracks of lesser production quality and in my opinion ads little to the overall album experience. This is especially true when you consider the bonus disks packaged with the latest PT re-releases. They could be standalone albums in themselves! Still, it is more good music and will make the collectors happy.

Maybe not worth full 5 stars, but very close...Blackfield is one of the better releases this year and should not be missed.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Musical Alchemy, September 14, 2004

By 

Dave "wasclywabbit" (Jamesville, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Blackfield (Audio CD)

A strong suit of an extraordinary songwriter is a flair for collaboration. To this end, Steven Wilson is unparalleled in today's musical arena. His latest partnership, with Aviv Geffen, is a stunning example of the fruits of his talent. One listen to Blackfield should convince followers of Steven's numerous projects that this outing represents his unfailing willingness to forego the temptation to overshadow. Thus the musical alchemy of Blackfield. Porcupine Tree lovers, as well as any who appreciate music that aspires beyond "elevator Prozac", will find this set absolutely rapturous. It is reminiscent of the first time I heard "Trains" (from "In Absentia"). The emotional intensity enfolds the listener in a chiaroscuro world of quiet melancholy and cathartic release. All the tracks are unceasingly melodic and unique. "Hello" stands out as one of the best "pop" songs ever written - period, absolutely period. The bonus video of "Blackfield" is one of the most original and inventive I've seen (You can also download it and the video of "Hello" at their website). This might just be the best CD you'll hear this year and for many years to come.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Masterful, beautiful, depressing, best new act of 2004?!, December 28, 2004

By 

Tim Burness (Brighton, England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Blackfield (Audio CD)

If the lyrics weren't quite so relentlessly miserable, it would be at least 6 rather than 4 stars out of 5! This is an exceptional collection of superbly crafted pop-rock songs that deserves mainstream recognition for Steven Wilson and Aviv Geffen. One of the best new albums I have heard for some time, it will be listened to for many years to come.

Musically, every song is strong and there are a range of styles covered. Echoes of emotionally troubled artists from the seventies and eighties (Pink Floyd, Tears For Fears) can be heard, but this is a very strong and original album with its own identity. The opening "Open Mind" features some heavy guitar work. "Lullaby" is mainly a solo piano and vocal with classical string quartet accompaniment. The final track "Hello" is an absolute classic and has apparently been very successful as a single in some countries. Great stuff.

The overall musical feel is quite mellow and romantic, kind of soft rock, sort of a more commercial version of Steven Wilson's other main project Porcupine Tree. The production is full and immaculate, with superb singing and harmonies and prominent warm keyboards on most tracks. If you can cope with the downer lyrics this is a FANTASTIC album.