Essential post-rock listening

The albums that define post-rock.

Our picks for where to start with post-rock — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The post-rock essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

Soundtracks for the Blind

Swans

Soundtracks for the Blind

A sprawling, atmospheric soundscape intertwining haunting melodies with relentless, abrasive textures.

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For Farewell of Nostalgia

Vision Eternel

For Farewell of Nostalgia

A haunting blend of ambient textures and ethereal melodies that evoke profound introspection and nostalgia.

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Seul dans l'obsession

Vision Eternel

Seul dans l'obsession

Ethereal soundscapes envelop listeners in haunting melodies and introspective textures, creating a dreamlike auditory experience.

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Lights

Lights

Lights

Ethereal synths blend with catchy melodies and introspective lyrics to create a vibrant pop landscape.

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PƎP

Lights

PƎP

A vibrant blend of catchy hooks and introspective lyrics wrapped in an uplifting electropop soundscape.

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Hlemmur

Sigur Rós

Hlemmur

An evocative soundscape of minimalist post-rock textures intertwined with haunting Icelandic melodies.

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Ágætis byrjun

Sigur Rós

Ágætis byrjun

Ethereal soundscapes entwine with haunting melodies, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that evokes both beauty and melancholy.

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What Is This?

Swans

What Is This?

A haunting exploration of soundscapes marked by dissonant melodies and profound introspection.

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ZeroZeroZero

Mogwai

ZeroZeroZero

A haunting blend of textured soundscapes and melodic minimalism that encapsulates the essence of post-rock evolution.

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Rock Action

Mogwai

Rock Action

Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with stark rhythms, creating a meditative yet intense post-rock journey.

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Holy Fire

Foals

Holy Fire

A vibrant fusion of dance-punk rhythms and atmospheric rock textures ignites an exhilarating listening experience.

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Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost: Part 2

Foals

Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost: Part 2

A vibrant exploration where dance-punk energy meets introspective lyrics amidst intricate guitar work.

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Let the Dancers Inherit the Party

Sea Power

Let the Dancers Inherit the Party

A kaleidoscopic blend of post-punk energy and reflective indie melodies painting modern existential themes.

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Man of Aran

Sea Power

Man of Aran

A haunting blend of atmospheric soundscapes and poignant melodies reflecting the rugged beauty of the Irish landscape.

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The Fall of Math

65daysofstatic

The Fall of Math

A dynamic fusion of intricate rhythms and atmospheric soundscapes that defy genre boundaries.

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replicr, 2019

65daysofstatic

replicr, 2019

A pulsating fusion of glitchy electronics and atmospheric textures creates an immersive sonic landscape.

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...Until We Felt Red

Kaki King

...Until We Felt Red

A vibrant tapestry of intricate guitar work and layered textures that evoke a sense of introspection.

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Modern Yesterdays

Kaki King

Modern Yesterdays

Intricate guitar melodies intertwine with atmospheric soundscapes, creating a reflective and immersive listening experience.

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The Boxer

Kele Okereke

The Boxer

Kele Okereke blends introspective lyrics with pulsating electronic beats and indie rock sensibilities throughout this vibrant debut solo album.

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The Waves Pt. 1

Kele Okereke

The Waves Pt. 1

A reflective blend of electronic soundscapes and intimate lyrics that explore the complexities of identity and belonging.

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Sunless

PSOTY

Sunless

Ethereal soundscapes blend with crushing riffs, evoking a sense of cosmic dread and introspection.

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...And the Sky Fell

PSOTY

...And the Sky Fell

Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with heavy, brooding riffs, creating an immersive post-metal experience.

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God Is an Astronaut

God Is an Astronaut

God Is an Astronaut

Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with cinematic crescendos, creating an immersive auditory experience that feels both expansive and introspective.

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The End of the Beginning

God Is an Astronaut

The End of the Beginning

A sweeping tapestry of ethereal soundscapes and haunting melodies that evoke profound introspection.

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