10 Great Obscure Post-Rock Bands

“As a ‘heavy’ band with a significant emphasis on piano,” observes the group itself, “Tangled Thoughts of Leaving are unique within the landscape of post-metal and post-rock bands where they ply their trade.” There may well be other outfits out there with a similar set-up, but it's hard to argue with TTOL's self-assessment that they sit within an especially niche area, which is always a two-edged sword.

Ron Pollard, keys, Gracie Smith, drums, Paul Briggs, guitar and Luke Pollard, bass, hail from Perth, Western Australia, and produce an instrumental sound which sits somewhere between prog, jazz, hard rock and noise. Their first EP, Tiny Fragments, was released in 2008, and a well-received full-length debut, Deaden the Fields, followed in 2011.

Since then, the band have recorded several more EPs and albums, all of which contain some fascinating music. This is a talented group of players, and the focus on piano certainly brings a refreshing twist to the post-rock landscape. Their music frequently lies at the harder edge, but there is always a grace and intelligence present, and the contrast makes for a compelling listen.