[Foreign Music] A Guide to Post-Rock: Essential Classics and a Recommended Pick
Post-rock is a music genre that expresses itself through a variety of ideas and experimental approaches, differing from the conventional methodology of rock.
The definition is quite vague and there are many subgenres, but there are plenty of bands and artists within the umbrella of post-rock who have achieved global success, and here in Japan as well, many have been influenced by post-rock’s methods.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of essential albums—perfect as a “start here” for Western music fans who’ve recently become interested in post-rock.
The lineup focuses mainly on albums from the 1990s to the 2000s, the peak era of post-rock, so be sure to check them out!
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[Western Music] A Guide to Post-Rock: Essential Classics and One Recommended Album (11–20)
AtlasBattles
Since the mid-2000s, when we talk about bands that truly pushed beyond rock and sent shockwaves through the scene, Battles—now a duo in the 2020s—surely come to mind.
Formed in 2003 as a formidable four-piece consisting of guitarist Ian Williams, known for his work in math rock bands like Don Caballero; drummer John Stanier, who supported the golden era of the ’90s alternative metal band Helmet; former Lynx member Dave Konopka; and Tyondai Braxton, the son of free jazz legend Anthony Braxton, they drew attention early on with EPs that already showcased a uniquely original sound unlike anything else.
They were quick to perform in Japan as well, and became a hot topic among musically adventurous listeners here.
It’s hard to sum up their stylistic range in a single phrase, but their long-awaited debut album Mirrored, released in 2007, is a classic that fuses post-rock textures with electronic music like electronica, as well as hardcore and alternative rock—blended through overwhelming musicianship and cutting-edge sensibility.
At the same time, it’s balanced with catchy hooks, making it a standout work that’s easy to recommend even to newcomers.
A French GalleasseRachel’s
Rachel’s is the band that pianist-composer Rachel Grimes—now widely acclaimed around the world as a so-called post-classical musician who even toured Japan in 2014 and hails from Kentucky, USA—used to be a member of.
Formed in 1991 around guitarist Jason Noble, formerly of the legendary mid-1990s post-hardcore band RODAN, along with Rachel and others, Rachel’s pursued a sound that deviated from traditional rock, drawing on chamber music and minimalism in the vein of Michael Nyman.
Their music is regarded as one of the roots of what later came to be called “post-classical.” While they may be less well known than other prominent post-rock bands, Rachel’s is essential listening for anyone digging deeper into the genre.
The album covered here, Selenography, is their fourth, released in 1999.
There’s no rock beat to be found—just an elegant, minimalist chamber ensemble, with the delicate timbre of the harpsichord delivering a truly moving gem.
It’s fascinating that, despite having core members from a hardcore background, they crafted such a serene sonic world; and since many post-rock musicians share similarly intense musical roots, that angle is worth paying attention to as well.
Ghost Ship in a StormJim O’Rourke
With his charming looks also making an impression, Jim O’Rourke is globally renowned as an innovative, cutting-edge musician.
He has continued to release outstanding work as a solo artist—from original albums to film soundtracks—while also participating as a member of Gastr del Sol and Sonic Youth and producing numerous artists both in Japan and abroad.
His nerdy temperament, wide-ranging musical activities, and genre-defying style make it difficult to categorize O’Rourke within any single genre.
Speaking of O’Rourke—who currently resides in Japan—within the context of post-rock, the must-mention work is undoubtedly his classic 1999 solo album Eureka.
The album, whose striking cover art by Japanese manga artist and illustrator Mimiyo Tomozawa leaves a strong impression, was his first explicitly song-oriented record.
At the same time, the peculiar pop sensibility grounded in his omnivorous musicality gave it a singular character, making it a masterpiece.
From the effortless inclusion of a Burt Bacharach cover, to its truly bucolic melodic sense, to an almost obsessive attention to every note, O’Rourke’s brand of pop—tinged with a certain dark humor that matches the cover’s image—is something I hope younger music fans will (re)discover now that we’re well into the 2020s.
Svefn-g-englarSigur Rós
A track released in 1999 by the Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Rós.
It was used as the title track of their first EP released outside their home country.
It has been featured in films such as Vanilla Sky and Café de Flore.
The Audio PoolThe Album Leaf
The Album Leaf is a solo music project by Jimmy LaValle, formed in 1998 in San Diego, California.
This track is included on their second album, “One Day I’ll Be on Time,” released in 2001.