Artist of the Day: And So I Watch You From Afar

Post-rock doesn't have to be predictable. Granted, I'm not too well-versed in the genre, but many of my experiences with Explosions in the Sky, Mogwai and other "top-tier" post-rock artists have led me feeling a little disenchanted with the genre. This is precisely why my time with And So I Watch You From Afar, as brief as it has been, has changed my perception of the genre as a whole.

The Irish post-rock group doesn't really sound like it wants to be considered post-rock. Rather, their most recent outings have been loud, self-affirmed and bombastic. I've been listening to the group's latest album this week, All Hail Bright Futures, and it's even more caffeinated an effort than 2011's Gangs. And this is why I enjoy the album so much, because as a whole it distinguishes itself from the silly stereotype of post-rock music being inherently drowsy. I mean, this stuff is full of vigor and passion, and it's the end result of musicians absolutely loving what they do. Check out "Like A Mouse," the band's first released track from the upcoming album.

What a journey, right? And this song is only a piece of the greater puzzle here. All Hail Bright Futures is sure to garner the Irish post-rock group a new wave of fans when it hits shelves on March 9. Pre-order the album here, or simply follow And So I Watch You From Afar on Facebook.