Blackfield – Blackfield II (2007)
A Rich, Melancholic Masterpiece from a Unique Rock Collaboration
Blackfield II is the second studio album by Blackfield — the collaborative art‑rock project featuring British musician Steven Wilson (leader of Porcupine Tree) and Israeli singer‑songwriter Aviv Geffen. Building on the success of their 2004 debut, this 2007 follow‑up delivers lush arrangements, emotional depth, and potent songwriting that expands the duo’s signature melancholic pop‑rock sound.
Recorded in London and Tel Aviv, the album continues Blackfield’s blend of atmospheric rock, introspective lyrics, and melodic sensibilities, with contributions from several notable musicians. It was released on 13 February 2007 in Europe and 6 March 2007 in the United States.
Album Overview
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Artist: Blackfield
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Album: Blackfield II
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Release Date: 13 February 2007 (Europe); 6 March 2007 (US)
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Label: Snapper Music / Atlantic Records / Helicon Ltd.
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Producer: Steven Wilson
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Genres: Art Rock, Progressive Rock / Alternative Rock
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Length: Approx. 42 minutes
Compared to the debut, Blackfield II is often celebrated for its refined arrangements, equal partnership between Wilson and Geffen, and emotional resonance — a blend that helped the album gain strong support among fans of both artists’ broader catalogs.
Tracklist
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Once – 4:03
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1,000 People – 3:54
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Miss U – 4:13
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Christenings – 4:37
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This Killer – 4:06
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Epidemic – 4:59
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My Gift of Silence – 4:05
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Some Day – 4:22
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Where Is My Love? – 3:00
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End of the World – 5:14
The tracklist blends heartfelt ballads, driving rock tunes, and atmospheric melodies — all tied together by the duo’s contrasting yet complementary vocals and instrumentation.
Album Credits
Core Members
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Steven Wilson – lead vocals, guitars, keyboards
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Aviv Geffen – vocals, keyboards, guitars
Additional Musicians
(Depending on edition, some of these contributors appear on select tracks)
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Richard Barbieri – keyboards / electric piano on “Christenings”
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Gavin Harrison – drums on “Christenings”
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Eran Mitelman – piano / keyboards on several tracks
(Different pressings may include other session musicians.)
Production Team
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Producer: Steven Wilson
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Recording: London & Tel Aviv sessions (Feb–Jun 2006)
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Mixing & Engineering: Steven Wilson and team
Album Reception & Impact
Blackfield II is widely regarded as a fan favorite and often ranks among the strongest entries in Blackfield’s catalog. While not a mainstream commercial hit, it resonates deeply in progressive and alternative rock circles thanks to its blend of accessible songwriting and evocative atmosphere.
Critics and listeners alike praise the album for its focus on melody, layered guitars, piano work, and vocal chemistry between Wilson and Geffen. Its introspective lyrics and lush production give the record a timeless quality.
Fun Facts
🎶 Reimagined Origins: “End of the World” is a cover of an older Hebrew song originally performed by Aviv Geffen with Berry Sakharof, translated into English for this album.
🎸 Sneaky History: The track “Christenings” was initially written for Porcupine Tree’s 2005 album Deadwing but was never released there — it found a home on Blackfield II.
📀 Hebrew Roots: Some songs like “1,000 People” and “Epidemic” appeared in Hebrew on Geffen’s 2006 solo record Im Hazman before being reworked for this album.
Trivia
🎵 Dual Voices: Unlike many collaborative projects where one member dominates, this album truly splits vocal and songwriting duties between Wilson and Geffen, giving it a varied and rich emotional palette.
🎧 Tour Support: Blackfield toured extensively in 2007 in support of this album, often featuring a mix of songs from both Blackfield and Blackfield II in their setlists.
🎹 Layered Arrangements: The record balances orchestral touches, lush harmonies, and rock instrumentation — making it appealing to fans of both progressive rock and melodic alt‑rock.
Did You Know?
✨ Blackfield II was recorded across two countries — London and Tel Aviv — highlighting the international nature of the collaboration.
✨ The album’s mood swings between melancholic reflection and passionate expression — a characteristic that helped define Blackfield’s identity in its early years.
Goofs & Misconceptions
❌ Not a Porcupine Tree album: Although Steven Wilson is best known for Porcupine Tree, Blackfield II is a distinct project with its own sound and goals, not intended to reflect Porcupine Tree’s style.
❌ Not a simple pop record: Despite its melodic strengths, the album’s layers and subtle progressions go beyond standard pop rock into art‑rock and atmospheric territory.
❌ Not Wilson‑only: Some people assume Wilson steered the album entirely — in reality, Aviv Geffen’s songwriting and vocals are equally central.
