DOWNLOAD: RØSENKØPF - Burning Spirits
New York band RØSENKØPF was formed back in 2010 by members Soren Roi, Saira Huff and Emil Bognar-nasdor. Now, the trio will release its self-titled debut on May 15 via Wierd Records – a collection of spacey, largely instrumental post-rock numbers that combine elements of noise, psych and hardcore. “Burning Spirits,” a heavily layered, fuzzed-out track, remains mostly vocal-free, however the few human voices that do emerge are icing on this refreshingly bizarre cake.
PREMIERE: Night Works - I Tried So Hard (NZCA LINES Remix)
I usually don't tout remixes of burgeoning U.K. post-rock bands for a myriad of reasons, the most important of which is that they usually suck. But this! This does not suck! Night Works’ “I Tried So Hard” rerubbed by NZCA LINES is subtle and alluring, bumping along on a surefooted bassline, staccato snips, synth fog and modish vocals. It’s brilliant, due in no small part that it’s the new project of bassist-cum-singer-songwriter Gabriel Stebbings (Metronomy). Download the remix below and then hear the stunning original over on SoundCloud.
DOWNLOAD: Deadhorse - No Particular Night Or Morning
Erie, PA group Deadhorse formed back in 2009 and recently released its debut album We Can Create Our Own World via Broken Circles Records. This new track from the band, “No Particular Night Or Morning,” showcases the group’s post-rock instrumental style. The expansive, orchestral number is heavily reminiscent of bands like Explosions In The Sky and Mogwai, offering a hushed soundscape that feels immense.
DOWNLOAD: If These Trees Could Talk - Barren Lands of a Modern Dinosaur
If These Trees Could Talk, an instrumental post-rock group hailing from Akron, OH, will release its second album, Red Forest, on March 20 via Science Of Silence Records. “Barren Lands of a Modern Dinosaur” is a compelling first listen from the record. The sprawling track is moody and expansive – a pensive soundscape that recalls similarly-toned groups like Mogwai and Explosions In the Sky.
DOWNLOAD: Dirty Three - Rising Below
After seven years of dormancy (aka its members collaborating with major names like Nick Cave, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, Bill Callahan and Cat Power), Dirty Three is finally back with a new full-length entitled Toward The Low Sun on Drag City. "Rising Below" is the first taste, and it's a pastoral mixture of free violin, chunky guitar and Jim White's signature drums filled with breeze and heavy-handed attacks in equal spurts. Hear more post-rock awesomeness February 28.
DOWNLOAD: Young Man - Then & Now (Alternate Take)
.jpg)
(Photo: Clayton Hauck)
When we first checked-in with Young Man (aka Colin Caulfield) on the track "Nothing," he was firmly in catchy bedroom territory – a threat, but one that had yet to expand. He also promised two more LPs over the next 18 months via Frenchkiss, and this alternate take of "Then & Now" from Ideas Of Distance shows just what can go down when Caulfield stretches out with a band. Produced by post-rock deity John McEntire, this version has a languid minor-key jangle going on over howling leads and big crescendos. Look for the next Young Man LP in March 2012.
PREMIERE: The Nocturnes - Love
Theirs is not a tender love. It is moody and elegant, full of delicate duel-vocal harmonies and a driving, sinister bass, but LA’s The Nocturnes aren’t trying to wine and dine you. Emma Ruth Rundle, current guitarist of instrumental powerhouse Red Sparowes, began her musical career in this duo, which has graduated to a quartet for its sophomore release. “Love” is folkgaze at its core, toying with goth and post-rock elements as it climbs its way through a somber crescendo. Check out Aokigahara August 30 on Errant Child.
DOWNLOAD: Trans Am - Futureworld
Within music culture, it seems like the future has sounded like the original Tron soundtrack since before science fiction movies even gained popularity. Trans Am, one of the best '90s post-rock bands, always took a different route. Using driving Krautrock-oriented drums, robotic vocals and a sense of dynamics that are more punk than club-ready, "Futureworld" remains a hypnotic ode to the way we hope things sound 40 years from now. Originally released in 1999, Thrill Jockey is re-releasing Futureworld in celebration of its 20th anniversary on September 13 with a new mastering job and two digital bonus tracks, including an outtake mixed by James Murphy.
