V

Being a fan of Blackfield since the beginning, I was exciting to hear that Steven Wilson had returned to the fold, after giving the reins to Aviv Geffen on the previous 2 albums (Welcome to My DNA and IV). However, it is a bit misleading to say Wilson has made a full return. He's definitely involved as a musician, producer, and singer. But when it comes to songwriting, he barely contributes more than he did with Welcome to My DNA. He's co-writer of only 2 tracks (one of which is the instrumental intro), and responsible for one track himself (44 to 48). I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed in finding out about this. I feel Blackfield's best work, particularly the first two albums, has been when it was more of collabration of songwriting duties. I'm not always a fan of Aviv's writing style, especially with his lyrics, which are sometimes are lacking. Nevertheless, I was still exciting to hear this new material. So here's a track by track review:"A Drop in the Ocean" - A short, but beautiful piece of music performed by the London Session Orchestra. Sorta reminds of something from The Moody Blues' Days of Future Passed. A nice intro to the album."Family Man" - Perhaps one of the "heaviest" songs in the Blackfield catalog. I really enjoy the guitar work here. I enjoy the verses a lot, whereas I feel the chorus is a bit weaker. The lyrics have also kinda grew on me with repeated listens."How Was Your Ride" - This one really didn't do much for me, at least lyrically. The line "You cynical bastard" in the chorus just sounds so out of place. It just doesn't flow well. But this is Aviv Geffen song (though Wilson sings lead), so that sorta stuff comes with the territory I suppose. Musically, it's pretty solid. A slower tune with the classic Blackfield sound throughout. But other than that, the song really doesn't stand out to me."We'll Never Be Apart" - Much like the previous track, musically it's ok. A mid-tempo rock song with a little orchestration. But overall, it's nothing to get really excited about. Aviv takes over the lead vocals with this one."Sorrys"- Another one with Aviv singing the lead here. A slower, more melodic tune, mainly acoustic with some piano. It's a pretty solid tune here, and the lyrics flow better as well."Life is An Ocean"- The previous track sorta segues into this one. A mostly piano driven tune with sweeping and swirling orchestrations, atmospheric, with a sprinkling of guitar later on in the track. Lyrically, there's not much here, only a handful of lines, but there's a cool vocal effect that brings on an "underwater" feel to it. Great fit for the song, and a pretty solid tune overall."Lately" - This one begins right where "Life is An Ocean" leaves off. An up-tempo rock-oriented tune, but nothing really too impressive here, especially lyrically. Though I do like some of the guitar work and a little female vocal part is a nice little touch."October"- For me, this is the strongest Aviv Geffen track, lyrically speaking. With Wilson singing lead here, it's a perfect fit. Some great music here as well. Beautiful piano and flowing string arrangements. One of the better songs on the album for sure."Jackal" - I've kinda went back and forth with this one. Parts of the song I enjoy, mostly towards the ending and the chorus. But the verses are just not very memorable."Salt Water" - This is another instrumental, though its longer than the intro. It's a nice piece of music, sounding much like a typical Blackfield song, just with missing lyrics. Again, a nice piece of music, but it's not a stand out track for me."Undercover Heart" - Another solid song with that signature Blackfield sound to it. Aviv Geffen, though never the greatest vocalist in my opinion, does a good job here and the song flows pretty nicely. Perhaps nothing to spectacular, but I enjoy it."Lonely Soul" - This one is practically an instrumental, there's only 4 lines of repeating lyrics here, with some female vocals added in. This is a more pop driven track, a bit of a throwback to the last record. Is it me or does Aviv Geffen tend to have at least one track per album with mostly just repeating lyrics over and over? ("Go to Hell", "After the Rain") This isn't necessarily a bad track, but I feel it could have been a lot more."44 to 48" - This was the track I was most anticipating. The sole Steven Wilson penned track that closes the album. Not surprising, it's one of the best tracks. It feels more like a solo Wilson track rather than a Blackfield song, but that's ok. Lyrically, it's simple yet interesting. It's a beautiful, slower track and a great way to end the album.Overall, this a pretty solid album. It doesn't reach the heights of the first 2 Blackfield albums. It's definitely a step up from IV, and perhaps a little better than Welcome to My DNA (though that album has some really good tunes on it). None of the songs here are bad, and certain parts of songs I really enjoy. However, only a handful of moments of the album are memorable. Perhaps this will change after a few more listens. But if you're a fan of Blackfield, there is still enough here to enjoy. Many of the songs have that signature Blackfield sound to them, yet there are few little wrinkles thrown in.

I was a fan of Blackfield's first album but have unfortunately not kept in touch with their subsequent releases. I expected something along the lines of that first album, with some well-produced progressive rock. This album has several different styles but could certainly be described as considerably more subdued than their first release.

Excellent album , solid all the way through.

Like Blackfield V this IV album does not disappoint

First blackfield album I've ever owned and very worth it. Love the sound these guys make, very radioheadish but with porcupine tree influences too. Must buy!

This is a true return to form for Blackfield. Not a bad track on the entire disk. A bit of an assist from Alan Parsons only adds to the quality.

Some great songs and some of average quality, in my opinion.

Got as advertised, no problems!

Bought this for my wife and its a winner. Sweeping tunes that she can relax into. We already liked Steven Wilson and I like Porcupine Tree and this is different but similar, less demanding listening.Good songs you can either listen to intently or just let them lull you.Gentle audio but not MOR

I waited for the album id pre ordered and it doesnt disappoint great catchy songs and if you liked blackfield 1 and 2 and the live album youll love this ☺ even my mrs asked me who the band was when i was playing it😆just get it 😊😊😊😊😊

Excellent outing from black field with Wilson magic.

Despite what everyone else seems to say, I think the last couple of albums have been pretty good, despite less 'Wilson'.I think this is a natural progression without fully reverting to the rawer sound of the first two CDs...I really enjoy(ed) it.

All is ok.