Reliquiae: The Atmospheric Architects of Modern Post-Rock
Reliquiae is a British instrumental post-rock ensemble known for crafting expansive, cinematic soundscapes. Hailing from Manchester, the group achieved a significant underground milestone with their 2018 album Monuments, which charted on the UK Independent Album Breakers Top 20.
Early career
Formed in 2012, the core trio of Reliquiae began experimenting in shared rehearsal spaces across Northern England. Their self-released 2014 debut EP, Cartographer, established their signature blend of melancholic guitar melodies and dynamic, building crescendos, catching the attention of several European independent labels.
Breakthrough
The band's pivotal moment arrived in 2018 with the release of their sophomore album, Monuments, on the German label A Thousand Arms. The album's lead single received sustained airplay on specialist radio, driving the album to a number 18 position on the UK's official Independent Album Breakers chart and securing a distribution deal for North America.
Key tracks
Cartographer — This early track defined their atmospheric blueprint and became a live staple.
Monuments — The title track's complex structure and emotional payoff marked a major step in their compositional maturity.
Ashen Sky — Featured in several independent film scores, this song expanded their reach beyond the music scene.
The Last, First Light — A collaboration with cellist Jo Quail, it showcased their willingness to integrate classical elements.
Vestige — From their 2022 album, this track exemplifies their refined, more textural recent direction.
Following the success of Monuments, Reliquiae embarked on extensive European touring, including performances at the Dunk! Festival in Belgium. Their 2022 album, Horizon Lines, was co-produced with engineer Tom Peters and saw the band incorporating more ambient and electronic textures into their foundational post-rock sound.
Fans of the detailed, crescendo-driven style of Mogwai will appreciate Reliquiae's command of tension and release. The atmospheric guitar work shares common ground with This Will Destroy You. Listeners of the more melodic end of the genre, as practiced by Explosions In The Sky, find a familiar emotional resonance in Reliquiae's music.
The music of Reliquiae is a regular feature in the rotations of dedicated post-rock and modern alternative radio stations. Their epic compositions are perfectly suited for late-night slots on independent music radio stations and thematic online rock radio streams focusing on instrumental and atmospheric rock.
You can hear the immersive music of Reliquiae on specialty radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Discover their evolving discography and experience their powerful soundscapes by tuning into the curated stations available on our platform.
