update from someone other than dunk? surely not...

So the news from Blueneck HQ is that we're currently working on two separate bits of work. The first is the 3rd album. As Duncan has written in previous blogs, this was originally intended to be an EP length release that we hoped to make available around the time of our Autumn tours. However, quite early on in the writing process it became clear to us that the group of songs deserved a little more time and attention, and that we had enough of them to create a new full length LP.

Now anyone familiar with the history of our band will probably think that 'a little more time and attention' could mean years, given the time elapsed between Scars of the Midwest and The Fallen Host. However, we have a lot of confidence that we will be finishing the album in 2010. We're making steady progress in the studio and the early versions of the songs are sounding great.

So what can you expect from this new album? Some things will remain the same. Dunk's beautifully melancholy way with a tune is still intact. But I think the iciness of The Fallen Host is gone. The songs are warmer, more organic and often recorded live in the room as a band. Digital manipulation is - so far - sparse. So it's Blueneck, but with more of a human pulse. Things may change as we start to work further on the arrangements, but the mood in the Blueneck camp is very hopeful indeed.

If you're coming out to see us on tour in September, October and November, you can hear us play a few of the new tracks live. Which brings us to the second bit of work - rehearsals for the tour. This is a fun challenge as we're taking the time to break in our new touring guitarist, Oli (Oli will be picking up the reins from Ben Green who's taking some time out to spend with his young family), as well as working through a huge list of potential songs we can be playing.

Which means that now's the time to tell us if there's a particular song you'd like to hear live (don’t forget to say which gig you’re attending). If you have a favourite, mail us at the Myspace or Facebook pages and we'll hopefully see you on the road in the Autumn.

Best,

Rich