Customer Reviews

Blackfield

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

 

 

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.

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.

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.

How much you might like this album depends on which era of "The Tree" you like best, since both groups have leader Steven Wilson in common. If you like the "Sky moves sideways" sound of Porcupine, as opposed to, say, "Lightbulb Sun", then you might want to avoid this. If, however, you like the lilting, melodic, softer side of Porcupine Tree, you should LOVE this! Every song is a winner. In fact, the final track "Hello" is one of the best songs I think Wilson has ever written, but again, depending on how you view P.T., you might find this album a little too "light" for your taste. Wilson sings all but one track (I think), and Aviv Geffen's contributions here are, well, hard to make out. Sorta like having a new Porcupine Tree record before the next official Tree release later this year.

First of all I need to point out that I own the regular edition of this album and never heard the bonus disc or saw the video. I obtained my copy through the Israeli label Helicon/Universal which contains 10 tracks with a running time of 37 minutes. My comments will be strictly based on the European version of the album.

If you are a fan of Steven Wilson's revolutionary prog rock band Porcupine Tree, then you probably already know that whatever Wilson touches immediately turns to gold. I really need to stress the fact that Steven Wilson is one of the most talented, creative and prolific artists of the last 10 years. I discovered him through his contribution to Opeth and gradually picked up Porcupine Tree's entire back catalog, his electronic solo album and his collaboration with Tim Bowness on the No-Man project. I must say I was mesmerized by the originality and deepness of each project Wilson released and consider him a terribly overlooked talent of the past decade.

When I first heard about Blackfield, I was psyched. This was going to be a unique meeting of different cultures, since co-writer Aviv Geffen is from Israel. I knew Geffen would bring in his own Middle Eastern touch and Steven Wilson has a great talent in creating expansive textures and unorthodox songcraft. Although Geffen and Wilson intended to release an EP back in 2001, upon joining forces they realised they could come up with enough material to compose a full-length disc. The writing proces, from what I understand, was done individually by each artist. Both Geffen and Wilson wrote their own music and then seamlessly blended their compositions. I even think Geffen originally came up with Hebrew lyrics to some of the tracks which Steven Wilson managed to change to English. Obviously some tracks like "Blackfield" and "Scar" were co-written. I believe Aviv Geffen sings on two tracks, "Pain" and "Hole In Me". There is no mention of it in the liner notes and honestly the vocals sound oddly similar. It's not the tone but the way the lyrics are delivered. Steven Wilson did the arrangements, mixing and production. This album is a perfect hybrid of post-pop, classical, some jazz and progressive rock music. It is one of the subtlest albums to date created by Steven Wilson, and differs from Porcupine Tree slightly. It has a darker tone yet is surprisingly easy to listen to. The songs aren't too long or overly complex with stop-and-start interludes or technically structured instrumentation. Wilson's soft piano runs through most of the songs and is always backed by soothing vocal harmonies and well thought-out lyrics. The opening riff of "Open Mind" will immediately grab you and put a smile on your face. All songs are very well arranged and beautifully structered. They are invested in a depth of emotion and very identifiable with the listener. After listening to Blackfield several times, you will notice that you could only expect something as deep as this from Steven Wilson.

Blackfield is the child of Porcupine Tree whiz Steve Wilson and Israeli superstar, Aviv Geffin. The results are spectacular. "Blackfield" is stunning in its sounds and production. Wilson shines, as always, on vocals and guitar. The songs are shorter and poppier than the more expansive PTree tunes. But each song is a thing of beauty. Having had and played the import for many months now, there are many, many highlights. "Open Mind", "Blackfield" and "Hole in Me" standout in an excellent collection of tunes. Lovers of progressive rock should be delighted with this timeless music. This collaboration shows that, shorter, tighter songs can sometimes work better than the aimless wanderings that some progressive bands travel. " Hello", the closer, would make a great single. I am constantly impressed that Steve Wilson can make such remarkable and varied music. Yes, the man has done it again. This is easily in the top five albums of that will come out this year.

Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree, No-Man, Bass Communion, IEM) has got to be the biggest genius at work in today's music scene. The man is ridiculously brilliant; I really am in awe of this guy. Anyhow, Blackfield is a collaboration between Wilson and Israeli songwriter Aviv Geffen, of whom I am definitely going to learn more about, because he also seems like an amazing dude. Unfortunately, here in North America, anything that doesn't conform to the standard pop structure is ignored, at least by most people, and because of this I'm finding it pretty tough to track down anything by Geffen alone. But, I digress.

As for the CD itself, you couldn't ask for a more soothing/rocking album. I know that seems like a contradiction, but it's not. The opener sounds heavier than the CD really is, so if you expect a borderline metal Porcupine Treeish album, you'll be disappointed. I don't really know what to classify this album as, but since I don't like labeling stuff, I'll just say that it is a nice mix of trippy, soothing melodies with slightly rocking guitar work. It's kind of similar to Opeth's "Damnation" album (which Wilson co-produced, go figure) in its overall feel, but much more somber and subtle.

Wilson's voice has a very Pink Floyd feel to it, so if you like that kind of vocal work, you should be happy with it. I do wish Geffen's vocals were used more often though, because they sound amazing. Maybe on the next release (hopefully they'll make another!) they'll divide the vocal work more.

As far as standout tracks, I don't know where to begin. They're all great, and the ones I didn't like at first grew on me pretty quick. To introduce someone to the band, I would say take a listen to "Blackfield," "Scars" and "Pain." Also, "Lullaby" is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. "Glow" and "Cloudy Now" are two of my favorites, but they take a little more time to get into. "Open Mind" is a great song, but a little misleading if you're trying to find out what Blackfield sound like.

This disc has been out a while, but it took forever to be released in North America. Now the international version is here, and it's got a bonus disc which is definitely worth checking out. Amazon doesn't have soundclips up yet, but if you want to hear some, see the "Blackfield" video, or just get more info, check out their website: http://www.blackfield.org.

Bottom line is that this disc is great. It's very unique and highly enjoyable. Everyone should at least check these guys out, they deserve support.

This new release from Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree, No-man, and other projects delivers the goods again with this amazing album. A top candidate for Album of the Year, this venture takes its roots from the "Lightbulb Sun" and "Stupid Dream" era of Porcupine Tree. A collaboration with Israel's superstar Aviv Geffen, "Blackfield" is filled with sensual dream like melodic and highly orchestrated songs. This is a dream album indeed for fans of PT, and for others, this is your chance to enter the world of Steven Wilson. You'll never be the same, and your cd collection will grow quickly.

After listening to No-Man, Porcupine Tree and Blackfield, I have to say that Steve Wilson's influence is the common thread, the glue, the centerpiece. The many expressions contained in Blackfield's first and second release are wonderful. Similar yet distant to PT, which is a good thing!

What a fantastic collaboration between Wilson and Aviv Geffen. Yet, Blackfield remains pretty much obscured form the mainstream media. Maybe that is a good thing. It keep the music less pretentious and less spoiled by preconceived expectations.

I eagerly await Blackfield's upcoming release with the same eagerness I save for Porcupine Tree's new releases.. with baited breath.

The Good
"Open Mind" is awash with soft acoustic guitars and vocal melodies that are briefly interrupted by a harmonious electric guitar lick. Faint piano is thrown in to help set the mood. "Blackfield" is also dominated by acoustic guitars, with pleasing piano changes. The vocals are both emotional and melodic, while the lyrics are compassionate in nature. It makes for an instantly memorable piece of music. Somber keyboard tones and soft, passionate vocals help define "Glow", a tale of how one's life is falling into darkness. The added string section help bring out the passion.

"Lullaby" has a simple musical structure, but deep meaning. It explores how drugs can tear relationships apart. It's no tough to see that most of the songs revolve around a tortured soul. The echoey, mechanical vocals of "The Hole in Me" helps drive that home. The chorus helps push the track to a temperamental high. A bonus disc is included with the U.S. release that features three audio tracks; "Perfect World", "Where Is My Love", and "Cloudy Now (live)", and a QuickTime video for "Blackfield".

The Bad
Nothing

The Verdict
Blackfield has a dark, sullen feel to it. It encompasses plenty of feelings and emotions though it's soft, yet powerful music. The songs are well written and thought-provoking. It's a must for those willing to explore an emotional journey.