Bernhard Hollinger - 1987

​Bernhard Hollinger

1987
Boomslang Records; 2025

TOP ALBUM

By Jamie Funk

Bernhard Hollinger’s 1987 is a shapeshifting dive into the subconscious, a record that pulls from the fragmented logic of dreams and the eerie quiet of early-morning lucidity. An award-winning bassist, composer, and producer, Hollinger finds his footing not in clarity but in suggestion, building an album inspired by the psychic murk of Twin Peaks and the pliability of time. Rather than adhering to linear progression, 1987 embraces ambiguity, flirting with parallel dimensions, warped symbolism, and the kind of emotional resonance that resists easy translation.

The album begins with “Fly,” which feels deeply rooted in post-rock traditions. It lands somewhere between the atmospheric sprawl of Godspeed You! Black Emperor and the swelling melodicism of Explosions in the Sky. The dynamics are great, with some introspective, quieter moments as well as some epic crescendos.

“Through the Darkness of Future Past, No More Dark, Through” was a highlight. I love the haunting melody of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” that starts things off. This track very much goes into liminal space with horns, percussion, and more. There are moments of utter annihilation where it sounds violent, as if prey is devouring its food.

“I Just Don't Know” is short but has a great groove. It sounds a bit like Black Midi, with shifting tempo and utter chaos. “Winter Melody” is a palette cleanser. It is smooth, lush, and relaxing, just about perfect after the previous songs. The horns sounded great. That being said, there are dynamic points that build. Great song.

“Sleeping Tapes” moves further into those liminal spaces. The vocals repeating “wake up” and “fall asleep” create a sense of the mundane and routine. It feels a little analogous to waking up from the dream of life. The horns is another central part of the equation, and the drums also sound incredible. The song eventually simmers down and leaves you with a very David Lynch-like feeling.

This is an exceptional release. I was hoping the album would pivot from traditional post-rock, and it does. It becomes the kind of album you want to experience in full to truly understand its depth.

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