Godspeed You! Black Emperor

Overview

Seminal Canadian post-rock outfit Godspeed You! Black Emperor are visiting Australia for the first time this month, and are greeting Brisbane at the premier venue, The Tivoli.

Born in 1994 as a solo outlet for Efrim Menuk, with the name finding its inspiration in a little-known Japanese black and white documentary. Later on, live performances called for larger numbers, and so bassist Mauro Pezzente and guitarist Mike Moya joined the group; at present day, the core band consists of 9 members, who have 3 studio albums and an EP to their unusual name.

This band is nothing if not dynamic and diverse. They work on the smallest and grandest of scales, incorporating the likes of rickety piano melodies and emotive strings, through to the growl of guitars and percussion. They typically incorporate art and visuals to create a musical experience to overwhelm the senses.