The second annual Cumulus Festival, a scruffy, three day, post-rock showcase, begins today in Seattle. Post-rock can probably be best described as “build-build-build-catharsis!”

Despite the shared dynamic, the festival runs the gamut on instrumental guitar rock. And all the bands hail from the Pacific Northwest. Thursday's headliners, Joy Wants Eternity, lean prog-ambient making huge, emotionally manipulative swirls. Friday brings This Blinding Light who smear muddy, psychedelic guitars over deep 60's bass. Portland's Talkdemonic star on Saturday; the band is softer, using cellos and acoustic guitar instead of effects pedals. Their tug is gentle, they basically sound like two quiet people falling in love at the library.



There are quiet than loud moments, loud than louder moments and if you're looking for an introspective evening (or three) this could be just the thing.

Cumulus Festival takes place this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Feb 11-13.

For set times and locations (all shows take place at the Mars Bar or the Fun House) check the fest's website