XML FeedsBlackfield + The Pineapple Thief, The Assembly, Leamington Spa, 6 April 2011
By Michael Wilson on Apr 24, 2011 | In Reviews | Send feedback »
The Assembly in Leamington Spa is not only consistently living up to its reputation as an award winning venue but also attracting some of the finest bands in the global prog scene. Joining the likes of Pendragon, Marillion, Anathema, It Bites and countless others, The Pineapple Thief and Blackfield have finally been granted the opportunity to play Warwickshire's premiere music hall. Just don't label Blackfield as 'prog', Aviv Geffen won't take too kindly to this.
As The Pineapple Thief take to the stage, The Assembly has filled out quite nicely attesting to tonight as a celebration of two of KScope's finest. Echoing Porcupine Tree and Radiohead blended with their own unique sound, The Pineapple Thief ensure the night starts on a high with 'Wake Up The Dead' taken from their latest offering 'Someone Here is Missing'. The Pineapple Thief continue to play from this entrancing album before closing with the popular 'Too much to Lose'. It's unfortunate that The Pineapple Thief have such a short set comparative to their expansive back catalogue, but with a satisfying fifteen minute track closer and the promise of Blackfield, this ends on a high.
Blackfield are much more than a rock band. This bordering on transcendental experience features melancholic keys, rock-driven technically incredible guitars and vocals that possess such beauty the notes will send chills resonating throughout your body. Yet it's not just this magnificent conglomeration of music that makes tonight special, but rather just how personal Blackfield is to both Steven and Aviv. Aviv adds a further depth to songs as he explains the story behind each musical adventure; a narrative littered with heartache, tears and knowledge. The journey from naivety to understanding is akin to the listener's experience, the more one listens to Blackfield, the more one hears and the greater the reward. This isn't easy listening, this is better than that, tinged with voices from a darker past.
Blackfield are much more than a side project, who at times seriously surpass even the likes of Porcupine Tree when it comes to the live show. Steven and Aviv's vocals compliment and harmonise with one another, creating an aural utopia. See Blackfield live and experience music of life-altering proportions.
Words: Michael Wilson
Images: JY. Marquis
