The Best Post-Rock Acts in the MENA Region

Post-rock is a genre of experimental rock that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s, known for its instrumental focus (often with little to no vocals) and for being a departure from traditional rock song structures. Imagine rock bands using their instruments to create atmospheric soundscapes and emotions, rather than focusing on catchy hooks or verses. It can borrow elements from other genres like jazz, ambient, and electronic music, creating a unique and sometimes even cinematic listening experience.

While post-rock enjoyed its peak popularity in the West during the late 90s and early 2000s, with bands like Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Explosions in the Sky and Mogwai leading the charge, the Middle East saw a surge of interest in the genre a decade later. Egyptian bands like Go! Save the Hostages and Bath Takhreebi, alongside Lebanon's Kinematik, emerged in the early 2010s, bringing their own unique take on the atmospheric and instrumental sounds of post-rock to the region. Here, we take a look at some of the MENA region's best post-rock acts, showcasing the genre's evolution in this part of the world.

Kinematik

Lebanon

Go! Save the Hostages

Egypt

Khebz Dawle

Syria

The Chicken Came First

Egypt

Bth Takhribi

Egypt

Ishtirak

Lebanon

Nomad Ben Stones

North Africa