Unbound Edition - Explosions in the Sky

Did the band light up the night or fizzle out? Unbound Edition's resident DJ and music critic reviews its recent concert.

I have had some bad show luck lately. First, I missed my much-loved Band of Horses (for which I bought tickets way back in November) due to a January snowstorm. Then, more recently, I had to leave a Built to Spill show early on account of a friend becoming a tad too well-acquainted with the rum and Coke. But on Saturday night, my show luck turned around. I went to see the incredible instrumental band Explosions in the Sky and I felt lucky to be there. Indeed, they were as intense, beautiful and bright as their name suggests.

From Austin, Texas, Explosions in the Sky have been playing together since 1999, originally as the band Breaker Morant. A simple four piece, each Explosion song lets the two guitars, bass and drums tell complicated, emotionally rich stories that need no words. They do not fail to hold your rapt attention during the entire show … the ups and downs, crescendos and decrescendos … all are placed perfectly to create gorgeous arcs and swirls that pick you up and toss you about, but always make sure to place your feet safely back on earth.

To listen to one or all of their five albums (or, somewhat oddly, the 2004 soundtrack to Friday Night Lights) is one thing, but to see Explosions perform live is a whole other treat.

Guitarists Munaf Rayani and Mark Smith, bassist Michael James and drummer Chris Hrasky put their all into their set. And I really mean their all. They are totally into it. During each moment of their performance, it is evident that the band members are, pardon the pun, perfectly in tune with one another and are committed to a common, singular goal: ROCK YOUR FREAKING SOCKS OFF. Sometimes, they even seem slightly possessed and at war with their instruments. Really neat to watch.

If you ever have the opportunity to see this stunning band live, do yourself a favor and go. Here’s an example of what you’ll be in for. It's Explosions in the Sky's performance of “The Only Moment We Were Alone” from the album The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place. Nine minutes; entirely worth it.

whoa.
written by Yurem, April 04, 2008 10:09 AM

I've never heard of the band (I'm dorky), but love their sound. Great music to work to. My socks have been fully rocked. Thanks for the recommendation!

See also...
written by E.R., April 04, 2008 11:05 AM

If you enjoy Explosions in the Sky you might also check out The Album Leaf, a slightly less guitar-driven band. They also have an incredible show; the music is meticulously timed to original video collages.

E.

your hand in mine
written by bp, April 04, 2008 11:05 AM

This is one of their songs that I love: http://youtube.com/watch?v=36U4ez7AzKA

I've been known to listen to this song all day. Literally.

Is there a trend to be spotted?
written by UllMannofLaMancha, April 06, 2008 06:43 AM

Am I getting older, and at the same time more community-art-show-attending, obscure-music-loving, farmers-market-patronizing? I don't know.

But, it seems to me that music groups like Explosions in the Sky are becoming much more accessible because they're becoming more popular. And, I think that's fabulous because it's a return to music with a heightened degree of art in it, and a lower degree in pop-shock 'value.' I can't say that there's any less passion in a group like this than in the Oxford Philomusic whose concert I attended last night.

Even since I was in high school, friends were really aware of the names of the post-rock scene. Many of these groups have left the back-alley-way concert venues, the practice rooms of arts school, the impossibly difficult lifestyle of the struggling artist, and are being featured in more legitimate venues, bringing in larger audiences and earning more money accordingly.

Whether it's your taste or not, could we say that we're witnessing a return to a serious, more artistic style of music? Or, have we seen this through the decades in everything from Simon and Garfunkle through Depeche Mode and into today's post-rock scene?

If you don't care and just like the music, check out Amiina, too. They're do back up instrumentals for Sigur Ros. They're much gentler, but I think the two groups have similarly high levels of artistic beauty in their music. I saw them on their own at a REALLY well attended performance in Boston. They're really beautiful, and preciously Icelandic, too. http://www.myspace.com/amiina

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written by x108x, April 06, 2008 08:59 AM

If you were in high school during post-rock you are not yet "too old." You're still young.

Check out Archive.org for free and legally shared live shows of olds that allow their music to be shared.
Explosions in the sky at Archive.orghttp://www.archive.org/search.php?query=subject:"Explosions In The Sky"

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written by x108x, April 06, 2008 09:02 AM

I meant to say "bands" not "olds" and add a space in there somewhere.