“Blackfield” is a collaboration between Steve Wilson (Porcupine Tree) and the Israeli singer Aviv Geffen. Their first album simply entitled “Blackfield” was released in 2004 and now in 2007 we have the follow up entitled “Blackfiled 2”.

Their debut was an album chock full of melody and clever arrangements which managed to appeal to both fans of progressive rock and more mainstream pop tastes all at the same time. It has to be said that’s no mean feat.

With “Blackfield 2” one can safely say they have done it again. This is an album, which one can “get into” straightaway. The songs are rich in arrangement and very melodic. You only need to hear the various choruses once and before you know it you will be singing along.

For those people hoping to find an album in the vein of Porcupine Trees “Deadwing” let me tell you that “Blackfield” are a different sort of band. The Porcupine Tree influence is there without a doubt but you won’t get the heaviness or crunching guitar riffs, which often come with their music. Instead “Blackfield” are all about songs and creating gorgeous melodies. Their approach is slightly more orchestral and structured in a way that dare I say it could have them played on the radio.

The songs are simply arranged which means when the band throw in a little progressive u-turn it makes the whole effect more dramatic.

The album is heavy on mid-tempo numbers but on the occasions where it does start to pick up pace like on “Epidemic” it really cooks.

”Blackfield” have given us another album that is very much for everyone not just the progressive rockers out there. There isn’t a poor song in sight and .the arrangements and production is top notch.

There is obviously a great chemistry between Wilson and Aviv as the album is well balanced and they do seem to have their own sound. They both know how to get the best from a song via textures, arrangements and melody.

Overall a fine album with great performances.

Let us know your views on 'Blackfield 2'

Track List

Once
1000 people
Miss U
Christenings
This killer
Epidemic
My gift of silence
Some day
Where is my love?
End of the world