Epic is a term that gets thrown all too frequently when talking about post-rock. So much, in fact, that fewer and fewer bands can ever live up to the Herculean expectations that the description requires. But when used in relation to We Lost The Sea, most would have no qualms doubling down and upgrading "epic" to "apocalyptic." The Sydney band has been shaking the post-rock and metal scenes for nearly two decades, captivating audiences with their sprawling, emotionally enthralling, and cinematic walls of noise that put listeners through the wringer. They’ll be performing material from their landmark catalogue as well as their brilliant new album, A Single Flower - which includes the monumental twenty-seven-minute closer ‘Blood Will Have Blood’. Known for their engulfing three‑guitar textures, soaring dynamics and deeply cinematic storytelling, the band has taken over as one of the dominant voices in instrumental music.

Episode 34 of the Yuyintang Channel series continues to spotlight emerging (or unsung) bands over at their Basement space - and it’s got an eclectic spread of indie tunes for you with three original bands. You’ve got North Balcony, who use pop melodies as a base, blending rock, jazz, and R&B to create a delicate yet powerful sound; Boom The Island, looking to bring some extra oomph to their indie sound; and Lily & the Blue Vortex - a fresh shoegaze act out of Shanghai that incorporates indie folk, bossa nova, and even psychedelic flair. Roll the dice.

Hailing from Augsburg, Germany, two decades ago, Heretoir combined post-rock, shoegaze, and atmospheric black metal - swirling blast beats with calm ambient sounds, the intensity of desperate screams with the poignant emotionality of melancholic vocals - ‘a musical journey through an archaic world’. Epic, harrowing, and beautiful in its own tortured way - the band swings through Mao Livehouse as part of their nationwide tour. Joining them are Juno-nominated Canadian blackgaze act Unreqvited, who bring together soaring melodies, crushing emotion, and immersive soundscapes that blur the line between beauty and despair. Righteous.

Esteemed guzheng player and composer Yu Miao has been a staple of the classical and avant-garde scene for years. Known for her delicately assembled and lushly atmospheric arrangements, her music operates at that sublime intersection between electronica, contemporary classical music, and traditional Chinese music without ever coming off as gimmickry. Never bogged down in its details or ornamentation, Yu Miao composes some truly haunting compositions here - rich in their narrative and emotional pull whilst breathing new life into the ancient instrument. She gives a second showcase at the lush surroundings of KeepItQuiet - the first half will be a standalone set while the second half will invite in special guests to collaborate with her.

Two bands, one crew. Two styles, one attitude. Guiyang math rock band Fimoo formed alongside the more pop-leaning indie act Jiojio with pretty much the same lineup. They’ve been hard at work this year - releasing one album after another whilst stretching themselves musically and creatively. Fimoo are known for crafting sprightly, tender, and confident math rock jams that never feel shoehorned in, bursting with warmth and go-for-broke energy. Meanwhile, Jiojio are more of an indie pop throwback - a bit more bombastic, with plenty of soaring anthems. Will be interesting to see the band give essentially back-to-back performances.

Experimental soundscapes and performances over at the one and only trigger with a fresh batch of acts looking to push the boundaries of genre. Leading the charge is Clinton Watkins - an artist, academic, and sound practitioner based in New Zealand who uses field recordings, analogue and digital technologies, and unconventional recording techniques to investigate the material, perceptual, and experiential qualities of sound. Joining will be 1010cage, whose sound exists primarily between noise and theatre; Liang Siyi, an electronic music creator based in Shanghai; and Shu Ride, a researcher of difficult sounds.