Not Only Prog: Blackfield self-titled album

The album’s lyrics perfectly capture its mood, a strange and beautiful melancholy that creates a fantastic atmosphere. Among the strong points is the outstanding drumming of Gavin Harrison on two tracks, “Open Mind” and “Pain”.

For me, this is the band’s best album, closely followed by “Blackfield II” and “V”. Made up of ten short pop-rock tracks but with great melodic power, the album offers prog-tinged pop with songs of real substance. 

Among my favorites are the beautiful title track “Blackfield”, “Pain” and “The Hole in Me”, which boast enchanting melodies and a rhythm I prefer. However, there are also softer tracks like “Lullaby”, “Summer”, “Cloudy Now” and “Hello”.

“Open Mind” more than the others recalls the work with Porcupine Tree, thanks to its splendid orchestral section. 

“Blackfield” is an exceptional track with impeccable arrangement. 

“Glow” features a great piano and a fine orchestral part, which then evolves into a dynamic drum section that adds breadth to the track. 

“Scars” has a pop pace with excellent use of electronics, then opens into an outstanding melody, wide and breathing. It’s simply beautiful. 

“Lullaby”, built on piano and string quartet, is very moving.

“Pain” is, in my opinion, a real hit, with a beautiful melody and a melancholic atmosphere. 

“Summer” is a beautiful track, starting with acoustic guitar and voice, evolving into a soft and light mood yet with great feeling, until it culminates in a wonderful electric guitar solo. 

“Cloudy Now” starts with acoustic guitar and voice, creating a melancholic and romantic mood. The chorus, over a piano figure, is beautiful. The second part recalls a sound similar to Porcupine Tree, with a great rock drive that closes the track. 

“The Hole in Me” begins with beautiful horns and a ballad-like rhythm. The voice is filtered and almost spoken, opening up a lot at times and then returning to its syncopated gait. It’s very beautiful.

“Hello” opens the album with a piano that sketches a fantastic melody, perhaps the best of the whole project. The track is incredible both for the music and the lyrics.

This excellent album, the first of a project, sees Wilson confirm himself as a highly talented composer across different genres.

Blackfield’s production is impeccable. The album is more prog than the (still beautiful) No-Man project, even if it isn’t properly prog. 

However, in some moments and digressions of the band, it takes on prog and psychedelic sonorities. A record absolutely to have in your collection.

My Version

Label: Kscope – KSCOPE957
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Remastered, 180 gr.
Country: Europe
Release: 2017

Tracklist
1. Open Mind (3:50)
2. Blackfield (4:07)
3. Glow (4:00)
4. Scars (3:57)
5. Lullaby (3:29)
6. Pain (3:47)
7. Summer (4:12)
8. Cloudy Now (3:34)
9. The Hole in Me (2:47)
10. Hello (3:09)
Length 36:52

Lineup
- Aviv Geffen - lead vocals, guitars, co-producer
- Steven Wilson - lead vocals, guitars, co-producer and mixing
- Daniel Salomon - keyboards, backing vocals, string director
- Seffy Efrati - bass
- Chris Maitland - drums (2, 9, 10), backing vocals
With:
- Gavin Harrison - drums (1, 6)
- Yirmy Kaplan - drums (3, 7)
- The Illusion Quartet - strings (1, 5, 7, 10)
- The Mistakes (D. Salomon, S. Efrati, Tomer Z, Eran Mitelman) - instrumental recording (4)