Rockfreaks.net

Blueneck

Repetitions

Written by: DR on 20/12/2011 14:30:05

Music that's too experimental or on the fringes rarely gets the credit and popularity its quality is deserving of. A case in point is Blueneck, who, save for Mogwai, are probably Britain's best post-rock band around these days. They don't get the credit their music should - not necessarily on a national scale, but even in the post-rock community they are often over-looked. This isn't going to change with "Repetitions", their third album, but honestly, they probably don't even care and are certainly showing no signs of sacrificing their ambition for accessibility.

Their previous album, "The Fallen Host", was a lesson in how to do post-rock right. It wasn't especially original for the genre, but they took the tried and tested format and gave it new life with songs as brilliant as "Low". They probably realise this, too, and have decided with "Repetitions" that they need to push into newer territory with their sound. Whereas the previous album had the odd classical element to it, it was very much a guitar-centric album; this one isn't. The guitar is used more as a spice to add flavour and emotions to overall picture, and so it feels more natural, as they also use classical instruments to a greater degree. It's a more holistic approach to song-writing, seemingly set on creating compositions and moods rather than just songs.

Perhaps what's most impressive about "Repetitions" is that they were able to ditch the guitar-based sound, strip their approach down to layers of minimalistic instrumentation, yet still compose songs that steadily swell to reach that emotive crescendo when they want to. Opener "Pneumothorax" begins with introspective vocals and the delicate tapping of the piano that steadily increases, the song seems to grow and grow until it erupts in a crescendo so epic that it defies the mere four-minute run time. "Sawbones" is as close to typical post-rock as they come on the album, though it doesn't feel out of place as the sudden rise and loudness of the track eventually calms down and settles the listener into the album. These two songs slowly lure you into "Repetitions", and once it has a hold on you you're unlikely to come up for air, as the world created is as engulfing and absorbing as you'd expect from a band as talented and masterful as Blueneck.

In conclusion, "Repetitions" is another addition to what has generally been a great year for Denovali releases. What "Repetitions" ultimately shows is a band who are undisputed masters of their art; if you want moving, effective and ambitious music, look no further than Blueneck, for they remain one of the best kept secrets in British music.

Download: Pneumothorax, Barriers Down
For The Fans of: Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Her Name Is Calla
Listen: Denovali Page

Release Date 23.09.2011
Denovali Records