Post Rock is a term that appeared somewhere in the 90s for bands who use guitars and drums but throw out all the other conventions of “rock music”. They use guitars to create delicate, moody compositions that don’t follow the rigid structures of normal rock. You’ve probably heard post rock whether you realize it or not. It’s often features in the background of TV show and movies. Think of it as rock music you can listen to while studying for a test or writing code.

The melodic content of this style merges very well with Chiptunes. Here’s some great bands that capture the spirit of the classics while merging them with the intense brooding of post rock.

The Revengineers

The Revengineers top my list of excellent post-rock chip bands. They use an NES to provide melodic lines over their amazing guitars and stand-out drums. The Revengineers rock the hardest of all these bands. They’re great live and have never relased a bad track in my opinion.

Noisewaves

Noisewaves capture some of the more ethereal, shoegaze influenced post rock sounds, similar to groups like Explosions in the Sky and The Backward Step, but with NES chip sounds driving the songs. They have very emotionally resonant songs that are great for a rainy day or evening.

The Bronzed Chorus

These guys remind me a bit more of groups like El Ten Eleven and Six Parts Seven. They have some excellent guitar effects and their songs and most tracks keep a brisk pace that never gets boring.

KANAGAWA

Kanagawa is another shoegaze-ish post rock chip band with only one album so far. We hope they’ll release more soon because it’s excellent. Some Gameboy sounds used here backed by feedback soaked walls of guitar and excellent compositions. Perfect for a late night drive.

Infinity Shred

Infinity Shred has a little bit more of an electronic edge than the other bands here. Reminding me at times of M83. They give you that sort of “traveling the cosmos” feeling that is just amazing, all with a rough distorted guitar edge. They have some wonderful retro-tones in every song and great drums and backing guitars. The Sanctuary album may be a bit pricey by chiptune/bandcamp standards, but I assure you; you will not be disappointed.

Beatscribe is a full time indie composer, musician and writer. By day he creates soundtracks and sfx for various mobile gaming companies, by night creates megaman-inspired chiptunes, in the afternoons he drinks tea. Check out his latest releases, tutorials and retro ruminations at www.beatscribe.com.