Despite all our fervent entreaties to various fictional deities, Monday is upon us. For me that always means working to a post-rock soundtrack. I’ve recently added one of the genre’s high points to my collection with We Lost The Sea’s Departure Songs. As it winged its way to my record shelves via Australia Post (BandCamp is a wonderful thing) I thought it a good opportunity to spin the eye of this blog momentarily onto that country’s offerings.

Once again I’ve turned to the internet to come up with a definition of post-rock and, once again, it continues to amuse: “Post-rock is rock music transcending itself – a form of creative freedom that looks within rather than without.Instead of exuberant frontmen and women, we’re confronted by shy, often sad-looking artistes, more at ease in the solitude of a recording studio rather than in front of an audience who love their music.

Audacious experimentation requires introspection and staying away from the loud, chaotic lifestyle that for decades was the epitome of rock music. And because of that, post-rock bands introduced a new way to experience this genre, one centred on the individual and their deepest emotions.”

Crikey.

We Lost The Sea – Challenger Part 2 – A Swan Song

Departure Songs, to quote the band is “inspired by failed, yet epic and honourable journeys or events throughout history where people have done extraordinary things for the greater good of those around them, and the progress of the human race itself.” It’s a beautiful album and this is a gorgeous final track.

Sleepmakeswaves – Perfect Detonator

Changing gears with Sydney’s Sleepmakeswaves. They have a new album that’s about to drop but Love of Cartography (which, shockingly has just turned ten years old) remains a favourite both in terms of its tunes, title and cover art. Australia Post should be setting a copy my way imminently as my CD copy has suffered an unfortunate fate.

Meniscus – Simulation

Hard-hitting, sweeping, tender… and all in one song. Meniscus’ Refractions album was a few years back now but is always worth a listen.

iiah – 20.9%

iiah have seemingly called it a day. Which is a shame as their last album Terra was exactly the kind of filmic stuff with a nod to the cosmos I love.

Bear the Mammoth – Freshwater

I’m not gonna lie; sometimes it’s the name that gets me listening. That was definitely the case with Melbourne’s Bear the Mammoth but I stayed listening the tunes and, particularly, the drums.