Album Review

Blackfield – Blackfield IV

• 26th Aug 2013

Blackfield started life as a joint project between Steven Wilson, the English musician and producer perhaps best known as the founder of progressive rock band Porcupine Tree, and Aviv Geffen, the Israeli rock musician and producer. Over time Geffin has taken more of the lead role, and on this fourth album he is very much the dominant force.

The sound Blackfield creates takes its inspiration from prog rock, but with a great deal more focus and a definite pop edge. There are no twenty minute songs or five minute keyboard solos here. It’s moody and atmospheric yet modern. Gentle without ever becoming dull. And its use of big orchestral sweeps give a grand and expansive feel that backs the various vocalists well.

Wilson takes the lead vocals on two songs. The opening track Pills starts softly before the big string section takes over in epic style. The vocals sound slightly distorted giving a dark edge to the track. He also sings on Jupiter, a tender love song, the vocals passionate and even over a piano melody.

Three guests each take vocal duties on a track. The Only Fool Is Me featuring Jonathan Donahue from American rockers Mercury Rev is a real highlight, his almost whispered vocals over plucked strings creating a melancholy air. Anathema’s Vincent Cavanagh sings the melodic XRay, giving it a warm feel with a good performance. Suede’s Brett Anderson on Firefly is perhaps the weakest on the album, his vocals lacking emotion on a sparkling track that deserves more.

Geffin handles the vocals on the remaining six tracks. The single Sense of Insanity is perhaps the pick, slow and intense as his voice soars in a commentary on a mixed up world. Kissed By The Devil is also good, a faster paced song with reverb heavy vocals over some nice guitar work. And Lost Souls, another guitar heavy track, sees the Israeli display his vocal range with a higher pitched delivery.

This is an interesting album with plenty of variety and provides a good combination of well orchestrated backing and some good vocal performances. Geffin may not be too well known in the UK, but he is a big star at home. Perhaps we should be taking greater notice of a talented artist who has plenty to say.

Venue: Blackfield IV
Support Band: K Scope