Repost: For Those That Just Rocked...We Salute You

For some reason lately I have found myself listening more and more to what is categorized by the music press as "post-rock" (see...the title does make sense). Now according to wikipedia (it was the only place I could find a decent definition) post-rock is "a music genre characterized by non-traditional use of rock instruments and high musical density." I like to think of it more as an intricately designed wall of sound...baroque rock if you will. The few concerts I have been to (all two of them) are truly the loudest concerts I have ever been two, not because the volume was cranked up, but because these bands actually use compositional dynamics (there’s my inner band nerd coming out...) To make it a little easier to navigate the sound scape...or noise scape...that these bands create I’ve decided to create a bit of a user’s guide for my top 5 post-rock bands. If you are a brave listener, or are just looking for something new and exciting...give these 5 bands a whirl (it should also be noted that to truly appreciate the intricacies of these bands you really need to listen to them through headphones).

1. Mogwai

It’s really hard to pick between number 1 and 2 mainly because these are the bands that I’ve been listening to the longest and these are actually the only two bands of this genre that I have seen live. I’m going to put Mogwai at number 1 though, mainly because I discovered them first. Mogwai are a Scottish band that quite literally write rock symphonies, their albums are so densely layered that you can listen to them and hear something new every time. They consist of a core unit of 5 musicians (sometimes more depending on the tour) and like most bands of the genre lack a true vocalist. On the rare occasions that vocals do appear, they are so blended into the mix that they almost serve as another instrument rather than the focal point of the song. They have also managed to avoid repeating themselves even after releasing 6 full length albums and countless ep’s and one off singles, like so many in the genre do (I’m looking at you Eluvium). There are really two basic elements behind the music. The first and most obvious element is the use of dynamics. This was truly the loudest concert that I have EVER attended. This is a band that can go from (metaphorically) a whisper to a scream and then back to a whisper. Be warned when wearing headphones not to get lulled into the softness of the music because when they get loud it is almost enough to force a change of clothes if you aren’t expecting it. The second obvious element is the melodic bass line that is washed over with waves of distortion only to have it disappear (again this speaks quite a bit to their use of dynamics). There are bands that use distortion because it is the only way that they like their guitars. Mogwai, however, use distortion for what it truly is...an effect. They are just as comfortable not using it as they are, and when they do it is to drive the theme of the song further not cover the fact that they are playing the same chords over and over or don’t know how to play their instruments at all.

Featured Tracks:
"You Don’t Know Jesus"
"Summer"
"Burn Girl Prom Queen"
"2 Rights Make 1 Wrong"

2. Sigur Ros

Sigur Ros are truly the type of band that play by their own rules. They are from Iceland...but rather than sing in Icelandic...or English, they have created their own language called "Hopelandic." On top of that, the vocals are sung in an extremely high falsetto and serve no purpose other than to act as another instrument. Fortunately, the rules that they have created work well for them. Not since Jimmy Page have I seen a guitarist that can pull of playing his guitar with a bow. The bassist is also known to sometimes play his bass with a drum stick. Again, all unconventional, but they totally work. Now, as to why they are on my list, it is simple: music, in its purist form is designed to illicit an emotional response and that is what Sigur Ros does. You can’t help but listen to this music without feeling some sort of emotion. For those of you who are fans of Philip K. Dick, I truly imagine that when he was describing the Penfield Mood Organ, it must have been something akin to listening to this music. This is truly a band that I can’t recommend specific tracks because the albums are linked thematically, and to break apart the theme on a track by track basis would be a disservice...so instead

Featured Album:"()" (yes that is really the name...just two parentheses)

3. Mono

Mono is a group of Japanese musicians that have mastered the use of the crescendo, very similar to the style originally developed by Explosions in the Sky (see below) but done better. As a benefit to those of us who don’t live in happening city where our favorite Japanese bands come to visit, Mono has made a point to use little to no electronic manipulation during the recording process. What this essentially means is that what you hear through your headphones is what they sound like live. In fact they tend to record as a full band and many of their best songs were recorded in a single take. In addition to this they have also mastered the creation of new effects by combining many of their effects pedals to create unheard of sounds. The use of distortion plays out to the effect that it is really used only at the emotional high point of the song (a.k.a. the Loudest F*&%$in’ Moment Possible). Of particular note is that they also have a small chamber quartet that has recorded several songs with them and definitely add that more modern classical feel to the whole thing. And, if all of this hasn’t convinced you to check them out...one of the guitarists is named Yoda...I mean seriously.

Featured Tracks
"16.12"
"The Flames Beyond the Cold Mountain"
"Com(?)"

4. Explosions in the Sky

Explosions in the Sky don’t try anything fancy with strange instruments like Mogwai or Sigur Ros. In fact, they don’t have a vocalist...ever. They are a rock band that plays chamber music. If you’ve seen the movie Friday Night Lights you may not realize it but you are already familiar with their music, as they did the score for the entire movie. Also, unlike the first two members of my list they are good old Texas boys. Musically, they are a little less adventurous than Mogwai or Sigur Ros, but don’t count that against them. Each album has a specific theme that is explored musically (think Beethoven symphonies). The tracking on the album is done to essentially break up the movements of the larger piece. Each album takes on its own thematic mood which is carried from track to track. Explosions do use quite a bit of distortion in their music, so for those of you that view distortion as just noise...it’s best to pass.

Featured Tracks:
"It’s Natural to Be Afraid"
"Magic Hours"
"Have You Passed Through This Night?"

5. Pelican

Pelican was founded by a group of musicians that grew tired of the expectations that were being placed on heavy metal...especially during the hey-day of nu-metal. By far the heaviest band on this list (look at their pedigree...they’re metalheads) they add a new dimension to the post-rock movement. Again, this is a band that is straight forward guitar, bass, and drums, yet they manage to make it sound different from all of their peers and predecessors. They are not afraid to add distortion to the bass and just rock out. While they do have their quieter moments, they usually just prefer to turn it up to eleven and rock your eardrums even while playing acoustic.

Featured Tracks:
"City of Echoes"
"March to the Sea"
"Winds With Hands"