How Do You Spell POST-ROCK?

Pronunciation: [pˈə͡ʊstɹˈɒk] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "post-rock" has caused confusion among music fans and scholars. The word is a combination of "post" and "rock", and represents a music genre that emerged in the 1990s. The phonetic transcription of "post-rock" is /ˈpoʊst ˌrɒk/, where the "o" in "post" is pronounced like the "o" in "most", and the "a" in "rock" is pronounced like the "a" in "father". The use of the hyphen is important to indicate that the two words are linked and form a new term.

POST-ROCK Meaning and Definition

  1. Post-rock is a subgenre of rock music that emerged in the late 1980s and gained popularity in the 1990s. As a fairly amorphous and wide-ranging term, post-rock encompasses a diverse range of musical styles and approaches that do not conform to traditional rock structures, including a strong emphasis on instrumental compositions.

    Characterized by its atmospheric and experimental nature, post-rock often incorporates elements of other genres like jazz, electronic music, and classical music. It can be defined by its use of texture and dynamics, typically featuring layers of guitars, synthesizers, and other instruments to create expansive and evolving soundscapes. Post-rock compositions often rely on unconventional song structures, eschewing traditional verse-chorus-bridge formats and instead focusing on the development and progression of musical themes.

    In post-rock, there is a tendency to emphasize mood and evoke emotions through sonic exploration, sometimes referred to as "crescendocore" due to its intense build-ups and climactic moments. The genre also places importance on creating a sense of space and atmosphere through the use of repetition, loops, and gradual shifts in dynamics. This creates a cinematic quality, as post-rock is often described as having a soundtrack-like quality, capable of evoking visuals and narratives without the need for lyrics.

    Overall, post-rock can be seen as a departure from traditional rock conventions, pushing boundaries and experimenting with sound to create evocative, instrumental music that invites the listener on a contemplative and emotional journey.

Etymology of POST-ROCK

The term "post-rock" was coined in the late 1990s and is generally credited to music journalist Simon Reynolds. It became a descriptor for a distinctive genre of music that emerged in the 1980s and 1990s, characterized by its departure from traditional rock structures and its incorporation of elements from various genres such as electronic, ambient, and experimental music.

The prefix "post-" in "post-rock" is derived from the concept of "post-modernism", which refers to a departure from modernist traditions and the blending of different styles and influences. Similarly, "post-rock" signifies a departure from traditional rock music structures and the exploration of new sounds, textures, and sonic landscapes. The term captures the genre's experimental and innovative approach to rock music, pushing its boundaries and challenging traditional conventions.