[2025] Start Here First! A Roundup of Recommended Western Post-Rock Bands

DisaffectedPiano Magic

Piano Magic – Disaffected

Piano Magic is a London-based music collective whose sound shifts like a kaleidoscope.

Formed in 1996 by Glen Johnson and others, they explored a wide range of sonic worlds from ambient pop to darkwave.

Their fluid lineup is notable—over 30 members reportedly took part within just a few years of their formation.

After their 1997 debut, they drew early attention, including being selected as Melody Maker’s “Single of the Week.” The album The Troubled Sleep of Piano Magic, rich in post-rock elements, is a masterpiece that fuses their experimental spirit with beautiful soundscapes.

If you want to immerse yourself in a grand narrative within a single album, this is the perfect band for you!

In RiversTracer AMC

Tracer AMC – In Rivers

Formed in Northern Ireland in 1999, Tracer AMC is a post-rock band that builds lyrical, structured soundscapes centered on instrumentals.

Their early singles, released in 2000, gradually gained recognition after being featured by legendary BBC DJ John Peel.

While they don’t have major hit singles, their album Flux & Form—praised by The Wire for its “majestic virtuosity”—and the acclaimed masterpiece Islands, which earned high praise in Japan as well, are must-listens.

Their sound, woven from crystalline twin guitars and an emotionally stirring rhythm section, feels like a story painted in sound.

If you’re in the mood to immerse yourself in a vast, expansive world with music that speaks without words, give them a listen.

Fire Back About Your New Baby’s SexDon Caballero

Don Caballero – Fire Back About Your New Baby’s Sex

This was the band that Ian Williams, now the guitarist of Battles, used to be in, and they released material on Chicago’s Touch and Go Records.

With irregular rhythms and bold shifts, simple and minimal phrases, and dissonant harmonies, their music has been categorized as math rock (though the members reportedly dislike the label), making them a band that can be considered pioneers of the genre.

HoloceneBon Iver

Bon Iver – Holocene – Official Video

The band was formed in 2006 around vocalist Justin Vernon.

While their music is song-driven with strong folk elements, their flowing, transparent sound is beautiful, and they enjoy tremendous worldwide popularity, including a Grammy nomination.

Retreat! Retreat!65daysofstatic

65daysofstatic – Retreat! Retreat!

Formed in Sheffield, UK, the band garnered worldwide attention with their track “Retreat! Retreat!”.

While inheriting the loud post-rock lineage that follows Mogwai, they’ve gained popularity with a style that incorporates new sonic expressions such as breakbeats.

Everything’s FuckedDirty Three

Dirty Three – Everything’s Fucked

The Dirty Three are a trio from Australia, a band consisting of violin, guitar, and drums.

They have strong jazz elements—so much so that they’re often described as post-jazz rock.

Their albums have been released on Touch and Go and Drag City, so you could also consider them associated with the Chicago scene.

Its All About Right ThenGhost & Vodka

Its All About Right Then – Ghosts And Vodka

A band made up of the Kinsella brothers from former Cap’n Jazz and the two non-guitar members of The Promise Ring, they’re regarded as a pioneering emo-influenced post-rock group that even inspired the formation of toe.

Their active period was short and they released only one album, but they have influenced many musicians.