[Foreign Music] A Guide to Post-Rock: Essential Classics and a Recommended Pick

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

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!

[Western Music] A Guide to Post-Rock: Essential Classics and Recommended Picks (21–30)

Smell MemoryMúm

múm – Smell Memory

Smell MemoryMúm

Múm is an experimental music group formed in Iceland in 1997.

They are known for their sound featuring gentle vocals and traditional instruments, among others.

This track is included on their 2000 album “Yesterday Was Dramatic – Today Is OK.”

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drive until he sleepsUi

UI drive until he sleeps 1998

drive until he sleepsUi

Ui was a post-rock and funk band active from 1990 through the mid-2000s.

It was formed by Sasha Frere-Jones, who is also well known as a New York pop music critic.

This track is included on the 1998 album Lifelike.

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[Western Music] A Guide to Post-Rock: Essential Classics and One Recommended Album (31–40)

In Search Of The MiraculousMark McGuire

Mark McGuire – “In Search Of The Miraculous” (Official Audio)

In Search Of The MiraculousMark McGuire

Mark McGuire is an American musician active since 2007, also known as a member of the electronic music trio Emeralds.

This track is included on his third album, Along The Way, released in 2014.

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FrengersMew

Mew – Frengers (2003) Original Release

FrengersMew

The album Frengers by Denmark’s Mew is a masterpiece that suggests new possibilities for post-rock.

Released in April 2003, it is characterized by adventurous song structures that incorporate cinematic techniques.

True to its title—meaning something between a friend and a stranger—the tracks captivate listeners with unpredictable developments.

The fragmented guitars, punky drum rhythms, and sweeping synthesizer soundscapes create a world brimming with innovation that transcends the boundaries of conventional rock.

It’s a perfect pick for those starting to explore post-rock or anyone seeking experimental music.

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LAST DAY OF WINTERPELICAN

PELICAN – THE LAST DAY OF WINTER

LAST DAY OF WINTERPELICAN

Pelican is a post-metal quartet formed in Illinois in 2001.

They are known for a fusion of sounds from various genres, including post-rock.

This track is included on their 2005 album, “The Fire in Our Throats Will Beckon the Thaw.”

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They Move On Tracks Of Never-Ending LightThis Will Destroy You

This Will Destroy You – They Move On Tracks Of Never-Ending Light

They Move On Tracks Of Never-Ending LightThis Will Destroy You

This Will Destroy You is an experimental rock band formed in Texas in 2004.

This track is included on their self-titled debut album, released in 2008.

It is a track that was used in the films The Diary of Preston Plummer and Moneyball.

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A Little DistanceTristeza

tristeza A Little Distance

A Little DistanceTristeza

Tristeza is an instrumental band formed in 1997 in San Diego, California.

The band name “Tristeza” means “sadness” in Spanish.

This track is included on the LP “Spine and Sensory,” released in 1999.

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