Blueneck is a truly unique band in the post-rock sphere. It pulls moments from the spectrum of the genre whilst excluding the traditional use of crescendos and quiet/loud dynamics. It would take quite a lot of words to argue for and against Blueneck actually being a post-rock band but there is not enough time and more than enough in the atmosphere which surrounds the music to deem them post-rock for now. However, there is no argument to be had about their uniqueness. With album number seven Blueneck have continued to move the dial and homed in on some of the more electronic elements the last two albums have touched on. Moonlighting has been a long time in the making and it’s going to be near impossible to hear a better post-rock album this year.
As with previous albums the tone and atmosphere emanate from the incredible vocal work of song writer Duncan Attwood but this great attribute is never overused. Opener ‘Mouth of the Snake’ is buzzing with an electro beat to start which whips the vocals gently into place. The peaks in the song are however from instruments rather than vocal crescendoing. There is a great vulnerability and strength in the vocals throughout the back catalogue and with a fairly minimal approach to instrumentation on Moonlighting it gets displayed beautifully once more. It is this graceful and effortless sublimity which solidifies the styling of post-rock, other genres just don’t get close to this.
Although drenched in electronic beats the music never feels far away from where Blueneck has been, it just doesn’t tread over the same ground again. ‘Goliath’ hints at both old and new and even includes an incredible Phil Collins drum fill (you know the one) which certainly brings a smile to the face. The title track is also brimming with the sound of piano which has been ever present in the Blueneck back catalogue. The way the band continues to evolve but never uproots itself is truly incredible and Moonlighting is such a triumph in that regard. A moment like ‘Did You See The Sunrise’ is the kind of anthemic track that deserves a movie montage to accompany it, the hair raising ability is incredible.
The release of this album has been delayed through illnesses, a pandemic and now on release a hold up with the physical releases. Blueneck have persisted, and with Moonlighting, have ultimately prevailed. It is an emotionally breath-taking record which never has a dull moment. Sometimes things aren’t missed until they are lost, it is great to have Blueneck back and Moonlighting should ensure they are never forgotten.
The album is available on digital now through Bandcamp with physical releases coming out on August 14 2026.
