BLACKFIELD: NYC - LIVE IN NEW YORK CITY

Good show, great players.

Steven Wilson is something else, amazingly versatile. When I read that Blackfield was more "pop" than Porcupine Tree and then noted a cover of an Alanis song I wasn't exactly sure this was for me. I already find PT to be a great mixture of pop sensibility applied to prog-rock and some metal tendencies and I wasn't sure I needed to hear him go in a more pop direction. But I am glad I took the time to check this out. The songs here are classy pop-rock songs performed with such emotion and zest that they really can grab you. Together Geffen and Wilson weave their little stories which contrast sometimes shockingly depressing lyrics with spirited, passionate music..one moment the audience is entranced in a slow quiet moment with piano and bass, the next they are bouncing to wailing guitars and gorgeous vocal harmonies. Tomer Z must be singled out here for some of the most sonically beautiful drum fills I've heard, they are breathtaking in places as they can be almost conversational in nature. He is a lighter touch than Harrison to be sure but no less impressive to watch in action. The audio and video presentation are perfect, no artsy nonsense or distractions, just clear sound and clean honest visuals. So how does Wilson do with the Alanis cover? Very well. He makes it his own and he makes it believable. It's good stuff but not as important to me as PT. I'd recommend PT fans check this out as well as fans of melancholic pop-rock.

Bizarre, bizarre, bizarre! I loved the first 2 Blackfield albums, reviewing the II with sheer adulation and unabashed praise. I am an unashamed sucker for melancholic (Okay, Sad) songs, even if it isn't prog! So why am I not blown away by their NYC live DVD? Hard to say but there is a nagging feeling of unease as I watched this twice and I still cannot shake the malaise. Perhaps it has to do mostly with Aviv Geffen, a gnome "Prince" like figure who looks absolutely silly with silver glitter eye shadow, sings in a rather unpleasant voice and strips off his shirt by concert's end (the temperature can't be too hot for an Israeli, so why is he trying to show off his scrimpy body?). Yet fellow Israelis Tomer Z on drums (very impressive), Eran Mitelman on keys and Seffy Efrati on bass all exude a certain charm as well as good chops. Steve Wilson shines, as usual both on guitar and on vocals but Aviv, who may be a huge star in his homeland but I am sorry to say he just doesn't cut it for me. Musically, the songs are all well played with highlights being "Miss U", "Blackfield" ,"1000 People" , "Pain" , the Alannis Morrissette penned "Thank You", "Where is my Love ?", "End of the World" and "Cloudy Now". Honestly, if Wilson would have not been present, this project would not have amounted to much, progressively or otherwise. It proves again the lofty praise that he richly receives. I guess I will just have to stick to the CDs, like in the good old days. 4 stars for the music, 3 stars as a DVD. Bizarre!

Good evening, we are Blackfield!

This project led by Aviv Geffen and Steven Wilson has released a couple of studio albums so far, and this DVD. Both albums are pretty good and easy to enjoy, however one may argue about if it's a progressive rock band or not, though that is not really important, seems that for some people it does matter.

Who knows Wilson's works might feel Blackfield is way too pop and catchy, that is evident if we compare projects, but the important thing is what music can create on you, no matter its style or labels, so please sit comfortable, buy you a drink, some chips and enjoy this DVD. Released in 2007, "Blackfield Live in New York City" is a great concert where the band performed most of their better recognized catalogue.

The show features eighteen songs and a total time of 90 minutes. If you are previously familiar with Blackfield, and like it, then you will have a feast of quality (pop) music. The five musicians on stage are very talented and that can be noticed in each and every of the songs. Wilson's skills on guitar are awesome as usual, and his voice is very gentle when it is needed, a clear example is the surprising cover of Alanis' "Thank You", which was a cool performance.

Aviv Geffen's vocals are usually criticized, though it is evident that he might not be the best singer, his voice within this project is indispensable because it puts a special, heartfelt flavor to the music. Tracks like "Glow", "Miss U" or "End of the World" are a good example of his potential. He also plays quite good guitars and keyboards.

I also want to emphasize the work of drummer Tomer Z, who plays actually good, despite I don't usually put my complete attention on drums, here that cannot be missed, because his style is awesome, powerful and exciting, the perfect example is the performance of "Once", which by the way was played twice in this show, an odd thing.

Once I listen to Blackfield, I have to finish the album, or in this case the whole DVD because I really like the music, some songs mean a lot to me. Some of my favorite moments are "Once", "Miss You", "Epidemic", "Glow", Where is my Love?", "Pain", "End of the World", "Someday" and "Cloudy Now", I actually cannot mention a song I don't like.

Curiously, I watched it last Saturday just before attending to a friend's wedding, and really enjoyed it. Visually it is not really spectacular, well, just if you like Aviv Geffen. Love this DVD, my final grade will be four stars.

Enjoy it!