The DevilsHorns

The fact that Beneath a Steel Sky started life as an instrumental project makes a lot of sense when you listen to their debut album, Cleave. Each one of the 7 post-rock tracks on offer are sublimely crafted and the musicianship on offer is of the highest level.

The tracks, in general, build on a gentle, thoughtful beginnings, building an aural landscape that beckons and beguiles the listener. Opening track, ‘The Sky Above the Port was the Colour of Television, Tuned to a Dead Channel’, introduces the album, with pretty guitars and a delicious growled vocal. However, it is the omnipresent keys that binds the track, allowing it to develop. It is a great start.

vocals. Whilst not spectacular, it does make you feel welcome as you listen, again the keys impress.

Then Cleave begins to get serious. ‘Quetzalcoatlus’ is another 6 minute plus song, beginning with an enchanting guitar tone with understated vocals that embellishes the song. Then, we are hit with the HEAVY. Because it is 3 tracks in, it is unexpected and feel monolithic in its intent. I have written, ‘Excellent’ in my notes, because that’s what it is.

The album then continues in a similar vein. Dissonant guitar is supported by keys and an excellent pairing of clean and growled vocals. The post-rock nature of the album does slightly hinder it, with each of the tracks having a similar structure. The considered intro, the build and then the pay-off of the tracks doesn’t ever become dull. In fact, I found myself trying to predict when each track would expand into its full glory.

For my first 1 listen review of 2025, I could have picked a lot worse than Beneath a Steel Sky. This is a deeply enjoyable album from a genre I don’t often listen to. The fact that I live a mere 20 miles from their home city means I might even get the chance to venture out for a live show.

I will be checking this album out throughout the year.

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