Blackfield - Blackfield

Year of Release: 2004
Label: Koch Records
Catalog Number: KOC-CD-9685
Format: CD
Total Time: 48:42:00

Blackfield is a collaboration between Israeli performer Aviv Geffen and Porcupine Tree leader Steve Wilson. To these ears this is all Wilson, in sound, song, and production.? Although I am sure the two would argue this point, Geffen's contribution seems little more than a different supporting musician for Wilson's songs.? Both have individual writing credits, as well as collaborating on half the album.

This is not to say that Blackfield is not an enjoyable album, because it is. But, there is little to distinguish this from Porcupine Tree, other than Geffen's lead vocals, and Wilson's recent use of more metallic guitar tones which don't appear here.? Wilson has a penchant for creating dark moody atmospheres, with catchy melodies, and this record is no exception. Fans of Porcupine Tree will certainly enjoy this one, but may be left scratching their head as to the purpose for this group.

[Blackfield has been released in various versions for various regions. In Israel, by Helicon/Universal (#HL8199, 10 tracks); a 2LP version by Gates Of Dawn (#GOD008), and two versions by Snapper - standard, without the bonus tracks (SDPCD199), and expanded, with the bonus tracks (SMACD880). And it seems there are packaging variations to go along with the various CD formats...]

Tracklisting:
Open Mind (3:49) / Blackfield (4:06) / Glow (4:00) / Scars (3:57) / Lullaby (3:29) / Pain (3:47) / Summer (4:12) / Cloudy Now (3:34) / The Hole In Me (2:47) / Hello (3:09) / Bonus Tracks: Perfect World (3:53) / Where Is My Love? (3:01) / Cloudy Now - Live (3:44)

Plus: video for track Blackfield

Musicians:
Steven Wilson - guitars, keys, vocals
Avid Geffen - guitars, keys, vocals
Chris Maitland - drums
Gavin Harrison - drums
Illusion Quartet - strings (conducted by Daniel Solomon)

Discography:
Blackfield (2004)
Blackfield II (2007)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin UK

Added: September 19th 2005
Reviewer: Eric Porter

Artist website: www.blackfield.org
Hits: 2776
Language: english