When a friend calls and says, "There's a great instrumental band playing this weekend," it can be off-putting. Especially when you love lyrics so damn much. But, in the case of the Austin, Texas foursome Explosions In The Sky, that feeling was unfounded. Explosions has seemed to perfect the rock instrumental genre in just a few short years. For starters, at any given time, three guitarists are jamming away. All emotions seem to come out of their songs, which last an average of 8-10 minutes each (and sometimes WAY longer when played live). Most songs begin with a beautiful whisper and ...

New York-based quartet Benzos are releasing their second album, Branches, August 7th on Stinky Records. Branches combines the melodic allure of Doves, the sprawling dynamics of Explosions In the Sky and the minimalist yet intense complexity of Aphex Twin, to develop a unique blend of ambient, emotionally resonant guitar and synth instrumentation, "mashed up" with tight, bottom-heavy, intensely funky rhythm section grooves.

Since the release of their debut album, Morning Stanzas, Benzos -- Christian Celaya (guitar/synth/vocals), Brian Joyce (guitar/vocals), Eiko Peck (bass)and Steve B...