Giants of Indie Post Rock
Explosions in the Sky, Mogwai, Sigur Ros, Mono, GYBE!
While there is some flexibility as to what constitutes post rock, it is generally instrumental (there is one or two that have vocals) with infusions of rock or punk with lengthy but structured elements. Post rock is sophisticated in its approach to musical storytelling, and contains multi-faceted, dimensional chord progressions that build, often intensely, into 20, 30 or even 40 minute epics.
It parallels neoclassical and operatic construction and reflects a generational gravitation toward rock, while frequent inclusion of stringed or symphonic instruments intensifies the structure and enriches the sound of this style.
Most post rock bands prefer and even maintain an underground, indie status, because there is a widespread regard and desire to keep a low profile. Why? They all have their own reasons, but it boils down to integrity and sincerity, which are two characteristics that collectively pulse through post rock bands.
Godspeed! You Black Emperor
This band, also referred to succinctly as GYBE!, is one of the biggest innovators of post rock. These humble 12 musicians from Montreal introduced their music and burst through the underground scene in the mid 90's like an immense and powerful tidal wave.
Their contribution is not only as one of the first post rock bands, but one with dynamics of driving and furiously emphatic compositions, darkly colored with cello, violin, African drums and cornerstoned by the usual band instruments. They build on simplistic, almost vacant chord progressions, slowly transitioning into an epic cacophany of symphonic art rock. GYBE! is a formative Goliath of the post rock alpha bands.
Mogwai
Mogwai is another founding band in the post rock genre. This Scotland-native band was formed in the mid 90's, and was selling out underground shows in the U.S. by the late 90's. Their performances are kinetic and moving, and have included flute, horn, bagpipes, and usually some vocals, which separates them from most post rock.
Mogwai has expressively Christian themes in their song titles, which has been a basis for criticism. However, no one can deny the influence that Mogwai has had in the underground, perhaps more so than any other post rock band.
Sigur Ros
Sigur Ros is probably the most atypical of post rock band formation out of these five, but nevertheless, still has most of the attributes to be considered post rock. Sigur Ros is the only one of these five to have a lead vocalist.
However, because of how the vocals are non-traditionally used as another instrument rather than a deliverer of lyrics, Sigur Ros is dynamically post rock. The vocals are extremely ethereal, and when coupled with the band , creates a sound that can be heart warming or heart-wrenchingly tragic in cadence, intermittent with long instrumentals, beautiful piano emphasis and airy, dreamy guitars that can also transition into an orchestrated and monumental performance.
Explosions in the Sky
As one of the more recent post rock leaders, Explosions in the Sky has increasingly gained popularity in the underground music scene within the past 2 or 3 years. Explosions in the Sky is a favorite of the writers for Oh my Rockness.com, a very popular and well-known NYC indie band concert and review website.
"Quite possibly my favorite band of my post-college years, Explosions in the Sky.." said one of the sites' columnists. Their dynamic tends to sway from uplifting to emotively melancholy. Explosions atypically maintains typical rock band instruments - drums, bass and guitar. They achieve their post rock elements with simple but skilled melodies, marching drum beats, and triumphantly overwhelming zeniths.
Mono
Mono is the probably the baby of these five, although they were formed roughly around the same time as Explosions. However, because this band is Japanese, they didn't gain popularity in the U.S. indie scene until a year or two after Explosions did, somewhere between 2001-02. As they grow, they increasingly develop their own unique sound and dynamic.
They utilize tremorous guitars, cello, and piano as well, making their ensemble a blend of all of the above. Their most recent albums are a little more subdued, and do not attempt to manipulate the audience with mercilessly tragic or ferociously triumphant qualities, but somehow still manage deliver a very moving and emotive performance. Mono has very quickly become the newest post rock giant.
Albums/Tours/Etc.
Each of these bands has their own website, which is the best place to look for their newest albums, upcoming or ongoing tours, downloadable audio clips, and so forth. All five of these bands' albums can also be ordered through Amazon.com.
With the exception of GYBE!, who has been on a long-term hiatus, these bands are still recording and producing new music, and will continue to forge the way, not only for the innovative genre of post rock, but for indie rock at large.
Mogwai
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