Genre Definition
What is Post-Rock music?
Post-Rock is a music genre that originated 1991--present. UK and US, early 1990s.
Origin of Post-Rock
UK and US, early 1990s. Critic Simon Reynolds coined the term in 1994 to describe bands using rock instrumentation for non-rock purposes. Talk Talk's Laughing Stock (1991) and Slint's Spiderland (1991) are considered proto-texts. Tortoise, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and Mogwai defined the genre through the 1990s.
Era: 1991--present
Defining sound of Post-Rock
Rock instruments -- guitar, bass, drums -- arranged in long-form arcs of tension and release without conventional verse-chorus structure. Pieces often 8-20 minutes. Dynamics move from near-silence to overwhelming climax. No vocals or minimal vocals. Tempos vary widely.
Pioneers of Post-Rock
- Talk Talk
- Slint
- Tortoise
- Bark Psychosis
- Labradford
Key Post-Rock artists
Related genres
Frequently asked questions about Post-Rock
- When did Post-Rock start?
- Post-Rock originated 1991--present. UK and US, early 1990s.
- Who invented Post-Rock?
- Post-Rock was pioneered by Talk Talk, Slint, Tortoise, Bark Psychosis, Labradford. UK and US, early 1990s. Critic Simon Reynolds coined the term in 1994 to describe bands using rock instrumentation for non-rock purposes. Talk Talk's Laughing Stock (1991) and Slint's Spiderland (1991) are considered proto-texts. Tortoise, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and Mogwai defined the genre through the 1990s.
- Is Post-Rock still popular?
- Post-Rock continues to be listened to and has influenced countless artists since its origins. Key contemporary artists in the genre include Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Mogwai, Explosions in the Sky, Sigur Ros.
- What does Post-Rock sound like?
- Rock instruments -- guitar, bass, drums -- arranged in long-form arcs of tension and release without conventional verse-chorus structure. Pieces often 8-20 minutes. Dynamics move from near-silence to overwhelming climax. No vocals or minimal vocals. Tempos vary widely.
- What is the difference between Post-Rock and math-rock?
- Post-Rock and math-rock are related genres that share some characteristics but differ in origin, instrumentation, and production approach. See the math-rock definition page for a full comparison.
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