God Is an Astronaut: Not just another post-rock band

Critics often peg the group God Is an Astronaut as yet another "post-rock" band similar to Godspeed You! Black Emperor or Explosions in the Sky.

But according to lead singer Torsten Kinsella, the only thing his band shares with such groups is a love of melody.

Unlike other post-rock bands, the mostly instrumental Irish band has more energetic songs that fuse influences from ambient to techno to heavy metal, he said.

Kinsella, 35, plans to show off that eclectic style during the band's upcoming U.S. tour, which will be the first time its members bring all of their own equipment into the country for concerts.

amNewYork caught up with Kinsella:

How would you describe your style?
Musically, I think we play from the heart rather than worrying about the style. The style does not come into play in my mind too much.

What's going on with the tour?
We're just really looking forward to coming over there. It's so hard for us to come to the States. ... I think this time New York looks like a really good place.

Since your music is largely instrumental, how should fans interpret it?
You know when you look at a clear night sky and you just see the stars? I kind of want our music to do the same thing. ... Sometimes the music can take a sinister twist, but it's always hope at the end of the tracks.

What's next?
I feel it's the first time in many years that I have actually changed as a person. ... For the first time, I feel like I'm in uncharted territories, and I want to represent that in the next album.

If you go: God Is an Astronaut will be playing at the Bowery Ballroom on Friday at 9 p.m., 6 Delancey St., 212-533-2111. $15.