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

Slow FocusFuck Buttons

Fuck Buttons – Slow Focus [FULL ALBUM – 2013]

Formed in Bristol, UK in 2004, Fuck Buttons are a duo that traverses electronica, experimental music, psychedelia, and post-rock.

Their distinctive sound drew attention with their 2008 debut album, Street Horrrsing.

Using a variety of instruments—including children’s toys like Casiotone keyboards and a Fisher-Price karaoke machine—their music is characterized by an experimental sound that incorporates noise elements.

Their second album, Tarot Sport, released in 2009, showcased an even more refined musicality and earned high praise among post-rock fans.

They are recommended for listeners interested in experimental music or those seeking a new musical experience unconstrained by conventional boundaries.

the mind of minoltaPele

Pele performs ‘The Mind of Minolta’

Formed in 1997, the band initially included the bassist from The Promise Ring.

They released a split record with toe, one of Japan’s leading post-rock bands.

They disbanded once in 2004, and with some lineup changes continued as the side project Collections of Colonies of Bees, but reunited in 2014.

ShowroomsSam Prekop

Sam Prekop – Showrooms

This is the solo project of Sam Prekop, who handles vocals and guitar for The Sea and Cake—and naturally, since the owner of Thrill Jockey is his wife.

He’s someone from around the Chicago post-rock/experimental scene who releases his work on Thrill Jockey.

Alongside his musical activities, he’s also active as a photographer.

The MpThe Album Leaf

The Album Leaf – The Mp

The Album Leaf is a solo project started by Jimmy LaValle, who was a member of Tristeza.

Its beautiful melodies—sometimes classified as electronica featuring acoustic guitars and clear-toned keyboards—are pleasing to the ear.

If I Sit Still, Maybe I’ll Get Out of HereTTNG

TTNG – If I Sit Still, Maybe I’ll Get Out of Here – Audiotree Live

TTNG is a math rock/post-rock band from the UK.

Although several members have changed and the band even changed its name from This Town Needs Guns, they’ve continued on and visit Japan almost every year.

Their incredible guitar technique combined with the drums’ irregular time signatures delivers pure math-rock vibes.

They’ve even performed with American Football, and I think they’re one of the leading forces in the current scene.

Beneath the UndertowIsotope 217

Isotope 217 – Beneath the Undertow [1997]

It’s part of the Chicago post-rock/experimental scene, with John McEntire also participating as an engineer.

The members are Dan Bitney, John Herndon, and Jeff Parker—overlapping with Tortoise.

Compared to Tortoise, they take a more jazz-oriented approach, and their sound is beautiful.

Building PeaksTristeza

Building Peaks

A post-rock band whose guitar sound, shaped by delay and reverb, evokes an indescribable sense of weightless drift.

The beautiful melodies woven by two guitars, simple drums, and bass inspired many followers.

After leaving the band, member Jimmy LaValle went on to start The Album Leaf.