Origins & Band Identity
Hailing from Omaha, Nebraska, Leafblower formed around 2016 as a side project, evolving into a distinct presence in their local music scene. Members brought experience from genres like post-punk (New Lungs, The Fucking Party), indie (Little Brazil), and old-school country (Lightning Stills)
The lineup:
- Clark Jahn – Guitar / Piano
- Craig Fort – Bass / Theremin / Vocals
- Danny Maxwell – Guitar / Vocals
- Tab Tworek – Drums / Banjo
And not to be forgotten their eerie, fog-spewing mascot known as Tim, a symbolic figure that hovers like a chilling presence before their live performances
Sound & Style: Post-Rock Meets Sludge and Psych
Post Rock band LEAFBLOWER musical identity is a genre-bending tapestry. Described as psych-tinged post-rock with heavy sludgy doom elements, their sound channels the moodiness of Neurosis and Isis, with the raw intensity of Rwake thrown into the mix
According to Reybee, their debut album Burn Cruise melds post-punk, indie, country, metal, and hardcore into a cohesive, dynamic soundscape
Discography Highlights
Debut EP: Leafblower (2023)
Released in May 2023, this EP captures the band’s early sound:
- Tracks: Tiger Blood Offering, Light Dweller, Crocodile Tears, Sorrow Pit
- Praised for its immersive structure and emotional depth, critics likened it to a heavier, more introspective stoner metal experience deceptively complex and hypnotic
Full-Length Album: Burn Cruise (2025)
Officially released on June 13, 2025 via Max Trax Records, it’s the band’s most ambitious and cohesive work yet
Tracklist:
- Long Night
- Namaste Home
- Burn Cruise
- Reverse Upward Spiral
- Unsatisfied
- Ghosts
- Night Sweat
- Stoopin’
Thematic Threads:
- “Unsatisfied” explores cycles of unfulfillment through gritty call-and-response vocals, delving into internal conflict and personal reflection
- “Ghosts” was written during restlessness in the early hours its ethereal lyrics capture a moment of unseen presence and inner buildup, later visualized in a surreal video starring their mascot Tim.
Live Recording & Other Works
- Live at O’Leaver’s 11-23-16 (2017) captures their raw live energy.
- Early demo released in April 2017 marked the beginning of their journey .
Artistic Vision & Cultural Roots
Post Rock band LEAFBLOWER draws power from Omaha’s vibrant scene. Bassist Craig Fort credits his experience running a DIY venue and the city’s bustling creative environment as essential to the band’s development
Thematically, Burn Cruise journeys through the chaos of modern life from turning the ignition to resting on the porch framing self-care and reset as central coping strategies
Why Leafblower Matters
- Genre fluidity: They don’t stay confined merging metal, hardcore, psych, post-punk, and ambient textures across tracks.
- Emotional depth: Songs like Unsatisfied and Ghosts reveal a willingness to explore personal discomfort, anxiety, and healing.
- Atmospheric presence: Both Tim (the mascot) and expressive compositions heighten their live and recorded atmosphere to unforgettable levels.
In Summary
Leafblower has carved out their space as a post-rock venture with weight and nuance. From their sludge-heavy debut EP to the thoughtfully layered full-length Burn Cruise, they’ve shown growth, cohesion, and an uncanny knack for emotional resonance. If you’re looking for music that balances heaviness with introspection and atmosphere, Leafblower is definitely worth a spin.
