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

Universe peoplesHiM

HIM (peoples) – 05 – Universe peoples

HIM is a band formed by Doug Scharin—the drummer known for groups like Rex (and the band he formed with Bundy K.

Brown, formerly of Tortoise and Bastro) and June of 44.

Their music is characterized by post-rock with a beautiful, floating quality influenced by dub.

WeekendThe Sea and Cake

The Sea and Cake – Weekend (Official Music Video)

The Sea and Cake includes Tortoise’s John McEntire as a member, so they’re widely recognized as a band associated with Tortoise.

Musically, compared to Tortoise, they use drum machines and synthesizers, giving their sound a more electronic quality; conversely, that also makes it more accessible in some respects.

Replacement DriverSaxon Shore

Saxon Shore — Replacement Driver [album version]

Saxon Shore are a four-piece from Massachusetts and one of the leading bands in the so-called loud post-rock scene, alongside Mogwai and Explosions in the Sky.

However, their use of noise is relatively restrained, and their songs—marked by clear tones that evoke a sense of elation—make them a wonderful band.

Nights WaveMice Parade

Mice Parade – Nights Wave

Mice Parade is the solo project of Adam Pierce—the drummer from the Düran Group and an anagram of his name.

Many of the songs feature Pierce’s signature free-form drumming layered over melodies played with acoustic guitar or string phrases, topped with clear, translucent female vocals.

Kashiwa from toe, one of Japan’s leading post-rock bands, has said that Mice Parade is among the bands that influenced him.

The Season ReverseGastr del Sol

Gastr del Sol – The Season Reverse

A band formed by David Grubbs and Bundy K.

Brown—both former members of Bastro (Brown later joined Tortoise).

John McEntire also took part in the recording, and Jim O’Rourke joined later, making it an incredible lineup.

Thanks to Jim O’Rourke’s popularity, this band also drew attention.

Another LanguageThis Will Destroy You

This Will Destroy You – Another Language [Full Album]

This Will Destroy You is an American post-rock band formed in Texas in 2004.

They are characterized by long, atmospheric compositions, with heavy use of effects-laden guitars and a strong emphasis on dynamics.

Their music draws attention for its fusion of diverse genres including post-rock, shoegaze, and ambient.

Spanning from silence to roaring intensity, their wide dynamic range has led to their tracks being used in works such as the film Moneyball, bringing broader recognition to their appeal.

Pursuing monumental soundscapes and delicate sonic textures, their music is recommended for those seeking a deeply moving listening experience.

The Wire, The Rag and The PayoffBrokeback

Brokeback – The Wire, The Rag and The Payoff (Official Music Video)

This is a project by Douglas McCombs, who is also a member of Tortoise, and of course the album was released on Thrill Jockey—it’s a band from the Chicago post-rock scene.

John McEntire and Sam Prekop are involved in some capacity in the work.