Blackfield Album: “NYC: Live in New York”

Just in from the official B.F. UK web site...let me be the first to cast some light on this release to the "world's marketplace", Amazon. (Shocking there are no reviews already). I was at this show, so I'm a bit partial. HOWEVER...this is sonically stunning. What a wonderful keepsake from an unforgettable evening. Although BLACKFIELD features our guitar~driven Steve, the man makes no effort to steal this show with one-ups-manship solos, riffing or posing. To the contrary, this is a well mixed (by Steve) and beautifully recorded outing. A TRUE document of the night. Not to rub it in, but those folks trapped on international or domestic flights that could not make this show due to severe weather in NYC are gonna kick themselves (or the airlines) for missing this! We almost did not make it either!

When I heard that Lasse Hoile (major respect here) was directing this, I sort of expected an "Arriving Somewhere" part II with Super-8 scratchy film footage, bizzare imagary, video screens, huge lighting, and the like. Nope, not here. The focus in the Blackfield world is on harmony, lyrics, choruses, instrumentation, and brilliant, dark but wonderful songwriting. How fantastic that this captured the moment at that small, almost clastrophopic club. I'm so thrilled that this was not portrayed as a "look at our grand show" concert. The grand show here is in your head, as soon as you open your ears and LISTEN TO THIS.

The mix is so, so solid. Drums and bass will bouce your balls around throughout, and, the keyboards perfect (thankfully, not in a prog-rock "look at me player" style like some others. Steve and Aviv balance singing their parts wonderfully. Oh yeah, there's lots of KILLER guitar too and stellar showmanship (more glitter, Aviv!!!).

With only 2 releases and a few singles, you wonder if you need a "back-catalogue" to back up your performance? No sir, not here. Behold the sonic tour-de-force that IS Blackfield.

As someone present at the show, I will say this: If anyone thinks "It's all done in the studio"....not so! This sounds real because it was real. Trust me. The Bowery Ballroom was screaming for more. Amazingly, a highlight is the cover of "Thank you" by Allanis (not someone I follow..) Powerful vocal work there, Steve. When it's time to rock, they rock, when it's to chill, they chill. There is a sense of perfection here...

In the age of "let's go download it for free" ....don't bother. You NEED to own this release. (Gee, I should get a commission, huh?)

Let's see more reviews on this as the domestic release becomes available, ok? Fans worldwide will go crazy for this, critics will awake, and life goes on. It's all in the BLACKFIELD! All hail.

Cheers.......

Being a huge fan of Porcupine Tree I kind of stumbled into hearing Blackfield for the first time while trying to find more mind blowing music from Steven Wilson as did many others I know of.

When Porcupine Tree released a live DVD last year I knew it was a must have. I still watch it to this day as it is the best live DVD I own. Luckily I have been able to see the band twice this year in Ohio and can't quite figure out how the manage to actually be better live on most parts than the many albums they have put out.

Enter Blackfield. I don't like to compare bands all that much but as you have read above it's very difficult to not throw in a small percentage of comparison to Porcupine Tree. Some may even call Blackfield "Tree-Lite" or something along those lines but one thing that really amazes me about Blackfield is the music gets to the point much quicker than many Porcupine Tree songs. Blackfield is more of a "singles" type band but that's not a bad thing. The mood they have created with their two CDs is unmatched. I quickly fell in love with the music of Blackfield and never looked back. Seeing them live was one of those things I wished for but considering they don't tour in these parts very often I knew I would have to either rely on seeing horribly compressed live bits online, listen to reviews of people that have seen the band live, or wait for a live DVD. Luckily the DVD was created and I have just spent the better part of almost two hours checking out everything it has to offer.

The concert is amazing. This is not one of those live DVDs where you should skip around to check out the songs. NO NO NO! Just put the DVD in, hit play, sit back and prepared to be amazed at the show. Don't expect a lot of flashy visuals as that's not what it's about. It's about creating a mood via music. As a matter of fact, the only thing I would even consider flashy is Aviv Geffen's glitter. Don't worry though. It doesn't take away from the performance as about a whole 5 seconds of the opening of the drum intro section will more than prove that you are about to witness something truly amazing and intimate.

The audio quality is top notch as with everything Steven mixes (listen to it in DTS 5.1 for maximum effect). I watched the concert via a Blu-Ray player which enhanced the standard DVD picture rather well. I believe they shot the show in HD so it would rock if someday they could release a true HD version. Hey, I can dream can't I?

Seeing Blackfield live via DVD really made me believe in this band even more. The one thing I was kind of surprised at was the band used a sample for the opening acoustic part on "Open Mind" rather than play it live. At least I believe it's a sample as I didn't see anyone on stage playing it live. That's not a gripe. I was just surprised to see it as everything else they actually played sounded just as good as the studio recordings. The drums, keyboards, and guitars, are all A+ in quality. Also of note is the stunning version of Alanis Morisette's "Thank You" performed only by Steve and Aviv.

The bonus material contails three music videos which are all done incredibly well minus the support for DTS 5.1. There is also a photo gallery.

I don't care if you are 'only' a semi-Blackfield or Porcupine Tree listener, you MUST own this DVD. I seriously doubt you will be dissapointed. It will be sitting proudly right next to my "Arriving Somewhere But Not Here" Porcupine Tree DVD and I plan to play it just as often.

Great job guys!

I preordered this dvd and I was thrilled when it arrived in the mail today. As soon as I got home from work, I plugged it in to check it out on my new and first hd lcd Sony Bravia. I became glued to the screen in awe with the first visual with killer sound. I am a huge P.T. and Blackfield fan and there is no dissapointment here. The balance of play and the quality of musicianship makes this one of the best concert dvds I own. I put it up there with, 'Pulse', 'Gilmour at Albert Hall' and 'Arriving Somewhere'. The interplay between Steve Wilson and Aviv Geffen is pure stage perfection. This show from this year will pull you in to an hour and a half of realization that Steve Wilson is the best out there and he brings out the best in those talented musicians he grooves with. Peace.

I own about 100 concert DVD's including Smashing Pumpkins, Metallica, Rush, ACDC, Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Pink Floyd, etc. and this is my all time favorite. The sound quality is fantastic. I bought tickets this morning to see them at Park West in Chicago in May. It's a pity that more people don't know about this fantastic band. But that is a good thing because I get to see them live in a 900 person venue and tickets were only $25...I cannot wait!!!!

Once again, Steve Wilson creates another side project with Aviv Geffen and the two very creative artists meld their styles into an extraoridinary result. The music came before the DVD for this person, but after anxiously awaiting the arrival of the DVD just after the holidays, I can honesty say the video coverage perfectly compliments the incredible song writing of these two little known titans. Their voices throw off some of the most passionate songs I have heard in some time. The slow shrill of Aviv voice resonates beautifully with either guitars or pianos filling the waves. And Steve Wilson continues to blow my mind with his genius. Both albums are in my permanent collection and I cannot wait to share the music and video with only the closest family and friends who appreciate such a rare collection of songs and coverage. Please continue the collaboration and tour the Motor City or Chicago. I will be there!