Recommendations for Japanese Post-Rock: Representative Bands and Popular Groups
Most people who have just started listening to post-rock are probably checking out works that originate from Western music.
Did you know that here in Japan, the post-rock scene includes many bands that are highly regarded worldwide?
The sound design these artists pursued has, in fact, had a significant influence on the production of songs that have become major hits.
That said, because it’s not essentially commercial music, beginners might find it a bit daunting to dig in and discover it.
For music fans like you, this article introduces bands that represent Japan’s post-rock scene.
If you enjoy Japanese rock, be sure to take a look!
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Recommendation of Japanese Post-Rock: Representative Bands and Popular Groups (21–30)
OrbitClean Of Core
An instrumental band, Clean Of Core, and their track Orbit.
Their high level of musicianship is truly intoxicating.
Unusually for a band composed solely of instrumentalists, despite the many recurring motifs, the exquisitely balanced rhythms keep it endlessly engaging.
sea101A
This track shines with a uniquely captivating sound steeped in a strong sense of emptiness.
There’s a certain darkness, a slightly murky world that grips the heart.
The overwhelmingly commanding vocals by noah are also one of the band’s greatest attractions.
Recommendations for Japanese Post-Rock: Notable Bands and Popular Groups (31–40)
NoahRhycol.
Noa from Rhycol., active mainly in Osaka Prefecture.
The powerful sound sticks in your ears.
With an up-tempo feel that makes you want to break into a run, it carries a passionate, distinctive atmosphere.
Even though it starts off intense, you’ll be captivated by how the energy keeps building all the way through to the end.
FantasyLAMA
When talking about Japanese post-rock, LAMA is a band you can’t overlook.
It’s a supergroup composed of members from SUPERCAR, NUMBER GIRL, and Denki Groove—artists who rapidly elevated Japan’s music culture.
In particular, the track “Fantasy” is hugely popular among fans and highly addictive.
How days slidedVityazz
This is a track that electrifies you from the start with its brisk, jazz-tinged rhythm.
The stylish music video, featuring dance, is also worth a watch.
It has a unique charm that could make you swoon if it were playing late at night in a chic bar.
Excess BaggageBalloons
A track called “Excess Baggage” by the Tokyo-based post-rock band Balloons.
Its tightly packed, high-density rhythms and the vocalist’s steady English delivery and strong singing are incredibly cool, making you want to listen to it over and over.
It’s a song you’ll want to replay again and again.
LOVE？sekai-teki na bando
A track called “LOVE?” by a band with the slightly unusual name “Sekai-teki na Band” (“Global Band”).
It has a mysterious atmosphere that never gets old, even on repeat.
The music video, composed entirely of ocean footage, is also very striking and carries a gentle, soothing quality that heals the heart.