BLACKFIELD II

Steven Wilson and Aviv Geffen return with Blackfield's second release, still full of artsy pop and nice melodies. As usual with Steven Wilson album, the production is sleek and crisp- very enjoyable. There's nothing too adventurous or technical, but that's okay because they know how to craft some simple yet elegant tunes with lush vocal harmonies and strings. And, not surprisingly, the lyrics are depressing and the whole album has a very melancholic feeling, but it's not unbearable. Blackfield II is one of those albums that shows you don't have to show off amazing chops to make good music.

Standout songs: "Once," "Christenings," "Epidemic"