Definition
Post-rock is a genre of music that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s as an experimental and avant-garde approach to rock music. Characterized by its use of traditional rock instruments while emphasizing texture, timbre, and atmosphere over traditional rock and pop song structures, post-rock bands often create sprawling, instrumental pieces that eschew verse-chorus-verse patterns.
History and Evolution
- Origins: The term “post-rock” was coined by music critic Simon Reynolds in a review of the band Bark Psychosis’ album “Hex” published in 1994. Reynolds used the term to describe a more experimental, boundary-pushing approach to rock music. Early influencers of the genre include bands like Talk Talk and Slint, with their albums “Spirit of Eden” (1988) and “Spiderland” (1991) respectively, which laid the groundwork for what would become known as post-rock.
- The genre’s early years saw a departure from conventional rock music, incorporating elements from a variety of musical styles, including electronic music, jazz, and classical. This period was marked by a willingness to experiment with song structures, instrumentation, and production techniques.
- Global Reach and Evolution: While post-rock began as a largely Western phenomenon, it has since spread globally, with bands and artists around the world adopting and adapting its principles. Japan’s Mono, for example, combines the intensity of post-rock with orchestral elements, while Australia’s Dirty Three infuses their sound with folk and blues influences.
- Over time, post-rock has continued to evolve, incorporating digital production techniques and elements from genres like post-metal and ambient music. This constant innovation keeps the genre fresh and allows it to remain relevant in the contemporary music landscape.
Characteristics
Post-rock is distinguished by several key characteristics:
- Instrumentation and Texture: While using traditional rock instruments such as guitar, bass, and drums, post-rock bands often employ them in unconventional ways. Guitars, for example, might be used more for their textural qualities than for riff-based melodies.
- Dynamics and Structure: Post-rock music often features lengthy compositions with dynamic shifts. Quiet, contemplative sections may build gradually to powerful, climactic moments.
- Minimal Vocals: Many post-rock tracks are instrumental or use vocals sparingly, focusing instead on the musical textures and atmospheric qualities.
- Influence and Integration: Post-rock bands often draw on a wide range of musical influences, incorporating elements from genres like ambient, minimalism, jazz, and electronic music.
Key Bands and Albums
Several bands and albums have been pivotal in the development and popularity of post-rock:
- Godspeed You! Black Emperor: Known for their epic compositions and political engagement, they have been influential in defining the post-rock aesthetic.
- Sigur Rós: This Icelandic band is known for their ethereal sound and use of bowed guitar, creating a distinctive, immersive sonic landscape.
- Explosions in the Sky: With their cinematic and emotive style, they have helped popularize post-rock, especially in the context of film and television soundtracks.
- Mogwai: The Scottish band is known for their dynamic range, from whisper-quiet passages to thunderous crescendos.
Post-rock is more than a genre; it is an approach to music-making that prioritizes atmosphere, texture, and emotion over traditional rock music structures. Its evolution and global reach testify to its lasting impact and the continued creativity of its artists. As post-rock continues to develop, it remains a vital and influential force in the world of music, pushing the boundaries of what rock music can be.
