Found Sound #2 Post-rock

Like any kind of addiction, my love affair with music seems to be an ever intensifying habit. With the help of Pitchforkmedia, KVSC, The Current and friends I am always exposed to a plethora of expanding musical choices. Traditionally I have stuck to the jam and indie scenes, although as my interest has increased so has the breadth of my catalogue. One of the newer genres of music to be encompassed is post-rock.


Post-rock is a music genre characterized by the nontraditional use of instruments and high musical density. Oftentimes I try to explain it as classically composed, lengthy prewritten instrumental pieces, performed with traditional rock instruments. Although embraced by most indie rock scenesters it bears little resemblance to anything else. An extermely wide variety of bands fall under the term post rock and as a result most people can find some music they like within the scene.

Sigur Rós is probably one of the most well known post-rock bands. They are often identified by their ethereal sound and the eerie falsetto of their lead singer. They recently released their fifth full length album Takk to both commercial success and critical acclaim. Below is a video to their first single “Glósóli” from their album, in it you will hear the characteristic song structure which starts with a quiet plodding beginning followed by a lengthy build to a cathartic finish.



For many Godspeed You! Black Emperor embody all that is post rock. Working on a near orchestral scale, the eight-piece group creates beautiful soundscapes with their unique use of instrumentation and sounds. They compose large songs with multiple movements, and are known for their engrossing use of art and visuals in both their album packaging and live performances. To listen to or download a live performance by GYBE click here.


Explosions in the Sky are a band out of Austin, Texas making a name for themselves on the scene. They exemplify much of what I love in post rock, beautiful guitar driven compositions which seem custom made for that emotional montage sequence at the climax of a movie. They unlike Godspeed are still actively touring and recording and according to their website will be releasing a new album early 2007. To listen or download an entire concert by EitS click here.

For those of you looking for something completely off the beaten path, you need look no further than Sunn O))).They are an American doom metal band often specified as drone doom. Their sound is extremely slow and heavy, using droning guitars accompanied by feedback and other sound effects to create their soundscapes. There is very little drumming and a lack of any discernible beat. Interestingly enough they were featured in an article by the New York Times, to read it click here.

For something a little lighter but still with a kick Pelican is a good bet. Playing primarily in Chicago, Pelican are known for their dense combinations of different melodies and extended track lengths. Their distinctive sound draws from doom metal as well as post-rock and many other influences. They received a favorable review from Pitchfork and this along with an impressive live show has garnered them a significant following.

I know this is far from exhaustive list, it represents a small contingent of the growing post rock movement, it does however highlight some of the best. If you know of any other great post rock bands feel free to post and let us know.

That does it for this edition of Found Sound, if any of you have requests for future posts let me know and I will see what I can do.