BLACKFIELD II

Well I'm not a Pop lover, in fact I think I'm an antipop, anyway here we go:

1. Once: A little rocker one (reminiscent of Smashing Pumpkings maybe?), with a really beautiful chorus.

2. 1000 People: This begins with keys and some acoustic guitar, then voice enter (very melancholic by the way). The chorus is very spacey with strings

3. Miss U: Kicks in with drums, guitar and bass, then Mr. Aviv Geffen starts singing while the mood becomes more calm (reminds a little the song Creep by Radiohead). The chorus is the same like the begining but enhanced by strings, the song ends with a nice guitar solo fading out...

4. Christenings: This is maybe the most PT song (in fact I read some time ago on the internet that this song was a leftover from Deadwing sessions!!!) this features slide guitar and is very spacey, typical Porcupine Tree.

5. This Killer: Begins with gloomy atmosphere only acoustic guitar and subtle drumming, the chorus again is very spacey enhanced by the help of keyboards. This is a dark song.

6. Epidemic: This one starts with piano and voice in a gloomy mood, then when the drums and guitar kicks in, the song gains strength and the mood changes (over the same piano riff, Brilliant!!!) The chorus again is spacey with layers of keyboards, there is a guitar lead accompanied by voice harmonies.

7. My Gift Of Silence: This begins with guitar effects (a la Pink Floyd), piano and voice giving the sensation of loneliness. This song has a very beautiful chorus.

8. Some Day: Start melancholic (again?) only with acoustic guitar arpeggio and Aviv Geffen singing like if hope doesn't exists. Later Steven Wilson gives him a helping hand with vocal harmonies. Then drums enters to give strength to the song with the help of strings until the fade out...

9. Where Is My Love: Begins with gloomy mood, the chorus is beautiful, heavy but melancholic. There is a repetitive guitar phrase adding emotion to the chorus. Magic!!!

10. End Of The World: Starts with dark dual voice and a catchy piano riff. The chorus is very popish accompanied by long open guitar chords. The song is full of keyboard textures.

Verdict: Is Pop? Is Rock? Is Alternative? Is Psychedelic? Maybe. But for sure is a compilation of intelligent and well composed music. Cut-your-veins (I'm kidding that's the way we call MELANCHOLIC music ;-)) This is a very beautiful and depressive album. The stars are aligned this time and seems to be that a legendary pair has formed (Geffen/Wilson). Time will tell...

Not my cup of tea but definitively a MASTERPIECE