The Post-Rock Thread

[kwami42]

Here's a genre I rarely see any discussion about here, but is one of my favorites. Post-rock is a style of music that uses rock instrumentation with non-rock styles of melodies, harmony, and chord progressions. Typically most bands in the genre play purely instrumental music, but this is not a requirement (i.e. Sigur Ros). Many of these groups also incorporate orchestral instrumentation as well.

Some of my favorite bands in the genre include Explosions in the Sky, Sigur Ros, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, God is an Astronaut, Tarentel, and This Will Destroy You.

A heavier form of post-rock has been deemed post-metal, bands of which include Agalloch, Boris, and Pelican.

Discuss here!

[Gowienczyk]

Agalloch are neofolk.

Boris is a sludge/drone band.

Pelican is a post-sludge band.

=/

[Stones_Clash]

have u heard of russian circles? i think theyre considered post rock and i really like em. course, im a little biased cuz the drummer is my cousin lol, but check em out if u havent already.

[afterstasis]

i'm a pretty big fan of the genre, though it's all very hit or miss for me...

[kwami42]

Agalloch are neofolk.

Boris is a sludge/drone band.

Pelican is a post-sludge band.

=/

They all have post-rock elements though, so they get lumped into the genre.

[WhiffleBallTony]

No love for Earth and Grails?

[kwami42]

No love for Earth and Grails?

Haven't listened to either, but I have an Earth album in the queue.

[WhiffleBallTony]

Haven't listened to either, but I have an Earth album in the queue.

Earth's best post-rock material is The Bee's Made Honey in the Lion's Skull, in my opinion. I highly recommend it.

[kwami42]

Earth's best post-rock material is The Bee's Made Honey in the Lion's Skull, in my opinion. I highly recommend it.

I'll give it a try! Thanks.

Also, where is the best place to start with Sunn O)))? (Since I know you're a big fan and I have your attention ;P)

[WhiffleBallTony]

I'll give it a try! Thanks.

Also, where is the best place to start with Sunn O)))? (Since I know you're a big fan and I have your attention ;P)

Well, it depends on what you like. Their very early stuff (The Grimmrobe Demos, OO Void, etc.) is their most drone metally stuff. It's got almost no vocals and focuses entirely on really long songs with downtuned distorted guitars and is very "boring" to the average person. However, from White1 forward, they've started getting much more in the dark ambient realm. If you're into really scary, creeptastic music, I recommend Black One. It's my personal favorite of theirs.

Actually, come to think of it, you would probably like Altar, the collaboration they did with Boris. It's got lots of other guest musicians on it (even Kim Thayil) and seems to be the one that you would most like, especially to warm up to their style.

[Alright_Computer]

There are very few stinkers in post-rock for me. It's one of the most consistent genres for me along with shoegaze.

[Insane3]

Agalloch are neofolk.

Boris is a sludge/drone band.

Pelican is a post-sludge band.

=/

Drone is not a band genre, it's a song genre. I don't know about sludge, but I'm sure about drone.

[Onslaught_fei]

Agalloch is progressive blackened doom metal. Been a fan for a long time. The only neofolk part of their act is an acoustic guitar. There is nothing industrial or electronic about their music.

[neckermanncj]

Sigur Rós is like my 4th favorite band at the moment! they own all!!!


im actually listening to them as i type :)


i would even call them Modern Classical

[Hungryfreak]

Drone is not a band genre, it's a song genre. I don't know about sludge, but I'm sure about drone.

Genres are really done on a song by song basis in general. Band genres only apply when most of a band's songs are of a single genre.

Also, I've been meaning to check out Grails for a while. Any album recommendations?

[Insane3]

Genres are really done on a song by song basis in general. Band genres only apply when most of a band's songs are of a single genre.

Also, I've been meaning to check out Grails for a while. Any album recommendations?

Yes but drone isn't really genre, it's more of a technique.

[WhiffleBallTony]

I've been meaning to check out Grails for a while. Any album recommendations?

Get Redlight. It's a great album, if you ask me.

[Hungryfreak]

Get Redlight. It's a great album, if you ask me.

Thanks. I've heard only great things about them.

[Parodygm]

A really nice little sampler compilation that contains a lot of post-rock artists is Monsters, Robots & Bug Men.

I blame this for getting me into Füxa, Bowery Electric (maybe, although shoegazer references might have got me there first), Labradford, Flying Saucer Attack, Cul de Sac and Roy Montgomery.

Speaking of Cul de Sac, I Don't Want to Go to Bed is fantastic. I could leave everything else I've heard by them, but that is essential... a lo-fi post-rock jam session.

[WhiffleBallTony]

Thanks. I've heard only great things about them.

Yep. I don't listen to too much post-rock, but of what I do listen to, they rank up there as one of my favorites.

[My name is Fez]

Agalloch are neofolk.

Boris is a sludge/drone band.

Pelican is a post-sludge band.

=/

There's already post-sludge? God, I don't even know how to stay on top of things in the music world.

And like WhiffleBallTony, I don't listen to a lot of post-rock, but I adore what I've listened to.

[afterstasis]

Yes but drone isn't really genre, it's more of a technique.

it's sometimes called dronology, but regardless is definitely a style of music.

[kwami42]

I just realized I forgot about Mogwai. Another awesome post-rock (although they don't like being referred to as such) band.

[Gowienczyk]

Agalloch is progressive blackened doom metal. Been a fan for a long time. The only neofolk part of their act is an acoustic guitar. There is nothing industrial or electronic about their music.

Their music is very much rooted and based around neofolk, though. Listen to something like The White, The Mantle or Pale Folklore and listen to a Death in June record or one of Of The Wand and The Moon. Yes, Agalloch has it's inspirations from black, doom and progressive metal (as well as post-rock) but that doesn't change the fact that their music is more neofolk than any other of their genres.

[Onslaught_fei]

Still doesnt make them neofolk. I think Opeth might use more acoustics and mellotron then they do. In fact I know they do since Agalloch doesnt even use keyboards anymore. Saying they are rooted in neofolk on what? The basis of lyrics? I mean, the band themselves call their music "Dark Metal". Whatever the **** that is. Im assuming its a mixture of black, doom, and progressive.

[neckermanncj]

no discussion for Sigur Rós???

[afterstasis]

no discussion for Sigur Rós???

i think they've put out two absolutely brilliant albums (takk and agaetis) and the rest of their stuff is littered with shining moments, but i just can't shake the feeling that things are going downhill after takk.

[neckermanncj]

i think they've put out two absolutely brilliant albums (takk and agaetis) and the rest of their stuff is littered with shining moments, but i just can't shake the feeling that things are going downhill after takk.

i beg to differ, () is amazing, and so is med sud...

i'd agree with you about Takk...


i'd rank them:
Takk...
med sud i eryum vid spilum endaust
()
Agaetis Bryum
Von (? havent heard)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_tIss1OhGM


its the most beautiful and emotional song i've heard in long time, off med sud...

[Gowienczyk]

Still doesnt make them neofolk. I think Opeth might use more acoustics and mellotron then they do. In fact I know they do since Agalloch doesnt even use keyboards anymore. Saying they are rooted in neofolk on what? The basis of lyrics? I mean, the band themselves call their music "Dark Metal". Whatever the **** that is. Im assuming its a mixture of black, doom, and progressive.

...and there have been no black or progressive metal elements in their recent recordings at all; the only exceptions I can think is Ashes Against The Grain and maybe Of Stone, Wind, and Pillor. They are neofolk on the basis that they sound like other neofolk bands.

[Onslaught_fei]

...and there have been no black or progressive metal elements in their recent recordings at all; the only exceptions I can think is Ashes Against The Grain and maybe Of Stone, Wind, and Pillor. They are neofolk on the basis that they sound like other neofolk bands.

On what basis are they neofolk? The acoustic guitar? Cause honestly Ive never heard the term used, although Im not surprised by its existance. Everything Wikipedia states is not Agalloch. They have 3 albums. I have all three albums. Been listening since 2002 when the guy from Katatonia tipped me off on them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYMaIzFq1Iw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1BBI072etY
or all 20 some minutes of She Painted Fire Across the Skyline.

I equate them more to Katatonia or Opeth, in that its a progressive extreme metal form with lots of non metal influences. I dont understand how acoustic guitars suddenly makes you folk, cause I can cite plenty of that.

[Coldplayer]

i beg to differ, () is amazing, and so is med sud...

i'd agree with you about Takk...


i'd rank them:
Takk...
med sud i eryum vid spilum endaust
()
Agaetis Bryum
Von (? havent heard)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_tIss1OhGM


its the most beautiful and emotional song i've heard in long time, off med sud...

Hah, that's just like I would rank them!! :D

Anyway, I'm a huuuuuge Sigur Rós fan but I haven't listen to a lot by the other bands mentioned here.

Going to see the japanese Post-Rock band Mono live on Wednesday though.

[Gowienczyk]

On what basis are they neofolk? The acoustic guitar? Cause honestly Ive never heard the term used, although Im not surprised by its existance. Everything Wikipedia states is not Agalloch. They have 3 albums. I have all three albums. Been listening since 2002 when the guy from Katatonia tipped me off on them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYMaIzFq1Iw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1BBI072etY
or all 20 some minutes of She Painted Fire Across the Skyline.

I equate them more to Katatonia or Opeth, in that its a progressive extreme metal form with lots of non metal influences. I dont understand how acoustic guitars suddenly makes you folk, cause I can cite plenty of that.

Wait, you are trying to rebuttal without listening to neofolk? Now that's just dumb.

Agalloch (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOYMT25zPgs)
Death in June (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fI85hmqILs)

Agalloch (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN4AxskpSAE)
Of the Wand and the Moon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBKj_IHog40)

How about you look into a subject before you say OMG THEY ARENT THIS. When they clearly are neofolk based, influenced and have a **** ton of neofolk songs (and arubally albums). Unless you can tell me how the songs I linked by Agalloch are metal. :)

[Toxin066]

Anybody here familiar with Meanwhile, back in Communist Russia... or Do Make Say Think?

[afterstasis]

Anybody here familiar with Meanwhile, back in Communist Russia... or Do Make Say Think?

yep.
not a fan of the former, but do make say think's "goodbye enemy airship" and "& yet & yet" are two of my favorite post-rock albums.

[Onslaught_fei]

Agalloch have a few pure acoustic songs in their 3 album discography but thats not the norm. You are conveniently ignoring the mass of their work which is rooted in extreme metal. I could do this too:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98SaFvW-JyQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSCfu8L4lDo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CffJeVSAJk8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SNUO2UPfzk

[back_blows]

Post-black metal is quite interesting.

[Hungryfreak]

Checked out the Grails album and it is, indeed, quite awesome.

[Lolicat]

Is Electrelane worth checking out?

[neckermanncj]

Hah, that's just like I would rank them!! :D


:p

[afterstasis]

Is Electrelane worth checking out?

what i've heard bored me to tears.

[Toxin066]

yep.
not a fan of the former, but do make say think's "goodbye enemy airship" and "& yet & yet" are two of my favorite post-rock albums.

I've only heard You, You're a History in Rust. Maybe I should go for those as well.

[Gowienczyk]

Agalloch have a few pure acoustic songs in their 3 album discography but thats not the norm. You are conveniently ignoring the mass of their work which is rooted in extreme metal. I could do this too:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98SaFvW-JyQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSCfu8L4lDo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CffJeVSAJk8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SNUO2UPfzk

Pale Folklore and The Mantle are pretty damn rooted in neofolk and The White is pure neofolk. Ashes Against the Grain I'll give you, but that's about it. The thing is, Agalloch has just as much neofolk rooted songs as "extreme metal" rooted ones, if not more.

A Celebration For The Death Of Man... - neofolk
In the Shadow of our Pale Companion - neofolk
Odal - rooted in both
I Am the Wooden Doors - metal
The Lodge - neofolk
You Were But a Ghost In My Arms - rooted in both
The Hawthorne Passage - rooted in both
...And The Great Cold Death Of The Earth - neofolk
A Desolation Song - neofolk

That's just The Mantle and neofolk is much more in the majority then metal is, sure they have songs that use both; but regardless. Then theres albums like The White (pure neofolk) and Ashes Against The Grain (mostly pure metal). Agalloch is such an eclectic band, no metal band had tried to blend neofolk ideas into their music before Agalloch did it and its such a progression of art in the metal community. But regardless or not with albums like The Mantle, The White, etc. it really seems Agalloch prefers to make neofolk music contrasted with elements of doom metal (and sometimes black).

[Onslaught_fei]

Pale Folklore is almost all extreme metal minus I think track 4 or 5 (I cant remember, its piano driven) but that was more of a folk metal styling in the form of something like Amorphis or Katatonia. Funny how you mention practically every instrumental on the second album and reference a limited print of b-sides that is impossible to find and came out last year. I hadnt heard of it because its not something I was aware of but having listened to several of the tracks its definately different than the rest of their material and almost purely instrumental. That doesnt make them rooted in neofolk though. If a limited print of b-sides determines your genre over the sum of your album discography than I dont know what to tell you. First album is definately more gothic and black metal than the rest of their material, as well.

[afterstasis]

sometimes bands play multiple styles and are impossible to pigeonhole. it's pretty awesome.

[WhiffleBallTony]

Some of my favorite bands in the genre include Explosions in the Sky, Sigur Ros, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, God is an Astronaut, Tarentel, and This Will Destroy You.

I'm gonna check some of these bands out.

Also, just out of curiosity, do any of you guys consider Spiritualized to be post-rock?

[afterstasis]

Also, just out of curiosity, do any of you guys consider Spiritualized to be post-rock?

no, not really.

i consider spiritualized space rock overall, but i can see why some of their material would be considered psychedelic or even garage rock...
and then there's that weird gospel connection. :)

[Alright_Computer]

Also, just out of curiosity, do any of you guys consider Spiritualized to be post-rock?

!!!Spiritualized!!!

No, I don't consider them to be post-rock. I'd consider them to be space rock or maybe psychedelic. Except for when they did gospel. But I try to forget about that.

[afterstasis]

!!!Spiritualized!!!

No, I don't consider them to be post-rock. I'd consider them to be space rock or maybe psychedelic. Except for when they did gospel. But I try to forget about that.

i actually really dig a lot of the gospel-y stuff... it's not as good as "ladies and gentlemen" or "lazer guided melodies", but there are some gems littered about.

[Alright_Computer]

i actually really dig a lot of the gospel-y stuff... it's not as good as "ladies and gentlemen" or "lazer guided melodies", but there are some gems littered about.

I actually don't mind Amazing Grace, but it's nowhere near as good as Ladies & Gentlemen in my opinion.

[FleshofJesu]

Well, it depends on what you like. Their very early stuff (The Grimmrobe Demos, OO Void, etc.) is their most drone metally stuff. It's got almost no vocals and focuses entirely on really long songs with downtuned distorted guitars and is very "boring" to the average person. However, from White1 forward, they've started getting much more in the dark ambient realm. If you're into really scary, creeptastic music, I recommend Black One. It's my personal favorite of theirs.

Actually, come to think of it, you would probably like Altar, the collaboration they did with Boris. It's got lots of other guest musicians on it (even Kim Thayil) and seems to be the one that you would most like, especially to warm up to their style.

white1 is the only thing you actually listen to need to listen too when it comes to sunn. i really don't understand why people praise that collab so much. find it really boring myself.

i love post-rock. i don't love namedropping however.

[kwami42]

white1 is the only thing you actually listen to need to listen too when it comes to sunn. i really don't understand why people praise that collab so much. find it really boring myself.

i love post-rock. i don't love namedropping however.

I dunno, I prefer both ØØ Void and Black One to white1.

[WhiffleBallTony]

white1 is the only thing you actually listen to need to listen too when it comes to sunn. i really don't understand why people praise that collab so much. find it really boring myself.

i love post-rock. i don't love namedropping however.

Personally, I actually find White1 to be their weakest album. "My Wall" is certainly a standout, but the other two tracks just don't really impress me as much as stuff like "Bathory Erzsebet". As far as Altar goes, it works best when listened to all the way through. The only song that I find works great individually is "The Sinking Belle (Blue Sheep)". The rest of the album has to be played together to be understood.

Oh, and I just listened to Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas Towards Heaven by Godspeed You! Black Emperor. I don't really have words to describe how amazing that was. It really blew me away.

[kwami42]

Oh, and I just listened to Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas Towards Heaven by Godspeed You! Black Emperor. I don't really have words to describe how amazing that was. It really blew me away.

That album is God.

[WhiffleBallTony]

That album is God.

I agree. Definitely one of the most rewarding experiences I've had listening to any album. All 80 minutes were completely worth it.

[afterstasis]

i think being a post-rock fan and disliking GYBE's "lift your skinny fists" is akin to being a metal fan and disliking "masters of reality" or being a shoegaze fan who dislikes "loveless" (though i've actually known examples of all three, strangely enough).

[Lolicat]

i think being a post-rock fan and disliking GYBE's "lift your skinny fists" is akin to being a metal fan and disliking "masters of reality" or being a shoegaze fan who dislikes "loveless" (though i've actually known examples of all three, strangely enough).

Other than Loveless, hello thar, how're you doing?

[afterstasis]

Other than Loveless, hello thar, how're you doing?

y'know... being awesome... what're you doing, loli-lame-pants? :p

[kwami42]

I agree. Definitely one of the most rewarding experiences I've had listening to any album. All 80 minutes were completely worth it.

It's a shame they're on an 'indefinite hiatus,' which typically means they're done. :(

[Lolicat]

y'know... being awesome... what're you doing, loli-lame-pants? :p

I'm crying because people are nasty to me on the internet, that's what!

Nah, I wouldn't say I hate those albums, just never found them to live up to the fuss.

[WhiffleBallTony]

It's a shame they're on an 'indefinite hiatus,' which typically means they're done. :(

Yeah, I saw that. The best bands always have to end.

And then come back to do a one-off show in a completely different continent so that you can't go. :mad:

[kwami42]

Yeah, I saw that. The best bands always have to end.

And then come back to do a one-off show in a completely different continent so that you can't go. :mad:

Hahaha, I know the feeling, man.

[WhiffleBallTony]

Hahaha, I know the feeling, man.

It's not a good one. You have no idea what I would do to see Sleep live.

Hell, I have no idea what I would do to see Sleep live. I can only assume that it may kill me.

[kwami42]

It's not a good one. You have no idea what I would do to see Sleep live.

Hell, I have no idea what I would do to see Sleep live. I can only assume that it may kill me.

Well, you can't be doin' that, then you wouldn't be able to see them anyway! :p

[WhiffleBallTony]

Well, you can't be doin' that, then you wouldn't be able to see them anyway! :p

Well, that's the problem. Haha.