Search - Blackfield :: Blackfield

Musical Alchemy

Dave | Jamesville, NY USA | 09/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Beautiful

Murat Batmaz | Istanbul, Turkey | 09/19/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Masterful, beautiful, depressing, best new act of 2004?!

Tim Burness | Brighton, England | 12/29/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."