Blackfield – Blackfield V (2017)
A Deep, Ocean‑Themed Return from the Art‑Rock Duo
Blackfield V is the fifth studio album by art‑rock collaboration Blackfield, composed of Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree) and Aviv Geffen. Released on 10 February 2017 via Kscope, this record marked a full‑on return to collaborative songwriting after the more Geffen‑led albums of the 2010s. During recording (2015–2016), the duo reunited creatively in both England and Israel to craft a flowing musical journey that’s introspective, melodic, and emotionally rich.
The album blends art‑rock leanings with atmospheric pop and alternative textures — complete with string arrangements and a unifying ocean‑inspired theme woven through its 13 tracks.
Album Overview
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Artist: Blackfield
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Album: Blackfield V
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Release Date: 10 February 2017
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Label: Kscope
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Producers: Aviv Geffen, Steven Wilson, Alan Parsons
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Genre: Art rock / Alternative rock / Progressive rock
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Length: Approx. 44:01
This record is often praised as a return to form, marrying melodies reminiscent of their first two albums with lush production and mature songwriting.
Tracklist
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A Drop in the Ocean – 1:36
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Family Man – 3:39
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How Was Your Ride? – 3:58
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We’ll Never Be Apart – 2:55
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Sorrys – 3:08
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Life Is an Ocean – 3:27
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Lately – 3:25
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October – 3:31
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The Jackal – 3:56
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Salt Water – 2:40
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Undercover Heart – 4:02
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Lonely Soul – 3:50
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From 44 to 48 – 4:31
This 13‑track lineup forms a cohesive musical arc, often described as feeling like a song cycle with themes tied to life, distance, and emotional tides.
Album Credits
Primary Members
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Steven Wilson – lead vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, backing vocals
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Aviv Geffen – lead vocals, guitars, keyboards, string arrangements
Additional Musicians
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Tomer Z – drums
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Eran Mitelman – keyboards
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London Session Orchestra – strings on multiple tracks
Production
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Producers: Aviv Geffen, Steven Wilson
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Engineering & Production Work: Alan Parsons contributed production/engineering on three key tracks
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Label: Kscope
(Credits adapted from official album information)
Album Sales & Reception
Upon release Blackfield V received generally favorable reviews from critics and fans alike, garnering praise for its emotional songwriting, balance of collaborators, and sonic richness. It holds a Metacritic score of 67, highlighting positive consensus among reviewers.
Commercially, it charted modestly across Europe, demonstrating strong support from the band’s international fanbase. While not a mainstream commercial blockbuster, Blackfield V reinforced the band’s reputation in alternative and art‑rock circles.
Fun Facts
🎶 Return to collaborative roots: After Welcome to My DNA (2011) and Blackfield IV (2013) featured heavier Geffen contributions, V brought Wilson back into a balanced partnership, giving fans a sense of the classic Blackfield dynamic.
🌊 Ocean motif: The album’s sequencing and recurring lyrical imagery center on oceanic and life‑cycle themes — crafted to feel like a flowing journey more than a disjointed collection.
🎛️ Alan Parsons production: Legendary producer/engineer Alan Parsons worked on three key tracks, adding depth and polish that nods to progressive rock’s storied production history.
🎹 Orchestral textures: The London Session Orchestra contributed lush strings that elevate several songs, adding a cinematic layer uncommon in many contemporary alternative rock albums.
Trivia
🎵 Signature moments: “Family Man” and “From 44 to 48” stood out among fans as emotionally engaging tracks, with Wilson’s vocals on the latter drawing particular praise.
🎧 Clockwork sequencing: Listeners have noted that the album — though composed of discrete songs — flows almost as one continuous piece, with recurring themes and motifs tying different tracks together.
🎸 Shared vocals: Throughout V, both Wilson and Geffen share lead vocal duties, echoing the collaboration that made the band’s first two albums fan favorites.
Did You Know?
✨ Blackfield V was recorded over 18 months across the UK and Israel — a testament to the long‑distance commitment the duo put into their creative process.
✨ The band continued to tour in support of V after its release, highlighting its popularity with longtime followers.
Goofs & Misconceptions
❌ Not a concept album in the sci‑fi sense: While the album has a thematic flow, it’s not a literal concept story like some progressive rock traditions — the “ocean” feel is emotional and metaphorical, not narrative.
❌ Not just Geffen’s album: Some fans mistakenly think later Blackfield records are Geffen solo projects — V clearly returns to shared songwriting between Geffen and Wilson.
❌ Not live or compilation: Despite its seamless feel, Blackfield V is a studio‑recorded album, not a live performance or greatest hits collection.
