Post-rock

                                               

In case it wasn't already obvious, the one post per week goal was perhaps a bit ambitious. Nonetheless, please keep checking often, and don't forget to suggest genres and albums in the comments section - it definitely helps us with keeping this blog updated! Also let us know if you'd rather see more, shorter posts, or fewer and more in depth posts. Just feedback in general is handy.

Now, let's get started on post-rock, with some wildly different albums.

                          

Lawrell: To be frank, I am not well-versed into post-rock at all. However, its general definition being that it is music using rock instruments in a way that makes said music sound like something else entirely, I had no difficulty at all listening to Special Others' Quest. Although you could argue that they are just a mostly instrumental indie rock band, their rhythms and song structures are definitely influenced by post-rock: the songs often have some kind of a repetitive musical motif (which is not necessarily bad) a buildup accompanied with subtle changes to aforementioned motif, and a climax. While "Laurentech" typically uses these elements, "Ubiquitous" showcases all of the musicians' skills in its climax. The way they play is fun and playful, but it is never chaotic nor bland. Every player has its shining moment in their respective solos, which is slightly influenced by jazz in the sense that they spontaneously, yet smoothly, almost effortlessly enter soloing mode. As I've mentioned, they are a mostly instrumental band, but when they actually do sing, it's rather hard to understand what they say - which is okay, because it's not really supposed to mean anything, it's simply there to add to the music without weighing down the song too much. Overall, a very charming and catchy little band. Make sure you also listen to Good Morning, their first LP. Listen to this band on a sunny day, and you might just find yourself humming their songs with a smile plastered to your face.

Quest

Eggmun: I'm no authority on post-rock, but I've heard a smattering from various bands so I wouldn't say I know nothing of the genre - I'm just no expert and I shan't deny that at all. Nonethless, Mono's Hymn to the Immortal Wind is magnificent. It's one of those albums you absolutely must devote some time to listen to the whole thing. For me, it was my flight back home from Japan earlier this year, which went so perfectly with quiet reflection. Listening to this album start to finish is a real pleasure, and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.

Bonus album: Kinoko Teikoku's album 'Uzuninaru' (きのこ帝国 - 渦になる) is pretty neat, I've been listening to it a lot. I wouldn't consider it anywhere near Hymn to the Immortal Wind, hence 'bonus'.

Hymn to the Immortal Wind
Uzuninaru