Human Ottoman is quite the trio.

Utilizing a couple instruments not usually employed by the typical makeup of a band, the amalgamation of Human Ottoman's vibraphone-cello-drum production caught our eye back in February of last year when we premiered their video for "YDKWH." Their vibrance even captured the attention of the bookers over at Treefort Music Fest, of which they played earlier this year and all of you voted as one of the best Portland acts there. 

As for what they've got going on currently, Human Ottoman were on the bands selected to be featured at tonight's Northwest Post-Rock Collective showcase. See their greatness, along with Volcanic Pinnacles, Long Hallways, A Collective Subconscious and Seattle's You May Die In The Desert, later today at the Tonic Lounge.

 Bringing the best in Portland's post-rock scene, the Northwest Post-Rock Collective is hosting their second showcase tomorrow at Holocene. Comprised of Compass & Knife, Long Hallways, Another Neighbor Disappeared, A Collective Subconscious and Deli Portland Artist of the Month Coastlands, the collective seeks to build and properly represent the northwest's post-rock community. Washington contributions to the collective's showcase this year include a performance from Tacoma's Compass & Knife and a co-sponsorship from Post Radio Records, based near the Auburn area.

If you've ever enjoyed Explosions in the Sky or Godspeed, you literally have no reason to not be at this showcase tomorrow. Come get lost in the dream-like instrumentation.

With their debut onto the Portland scene happening just last year, Second Sleep have already affirmed their well deserved place in our fairly niche realm of local music. The two piece is made up of nothing but drums and guitars - a simplistic setup resulting in a zealous execution of prime post-rock. T.J. Burke and Bruce Reed transform distortion and weighty whirls into immutable forces that can't be ignored. So far, they've played a handful of shows and have the one easily accessible track, "Motoboats." The track is an instrumental definition of the duo's technical prowess, also acting as an indicator of what can be expected from their future releases.

Second Sleep will be playing with A Collective Subconscious and Arizona's With Our Arms to the Sun at the High Water Mark on January 13th and seem to have more and more shows stacking up in the new year. 

-Cervante Pope