Explosive

For a long time now, Explosions in the Sky have been one of my favourite groups. They continuously reconfirm themselves to me as being nothing short of amazing, and every song becomes an epic master piece of musical brilliance, creating a sound that pulls at emotional strings and can effectively influence one's mood. If you like Godspeed You! Black Emperor - you'll love this.
They are from Texas, and have been active since 1999. They have gained a more widespread audience as they are responsible for a lot of the music in drama show Friday Night Lights. They are a four piece consisting of three electric guitars, and a drum kit. The sound they produce can be described as emotional and intense, and can sometimes become quite heavy - for example Magic Hour becomes an intense build up to huge sounding guitars.

The first track that they recorded was Remember Me as a Time of Day and was featured on a compilation album, however, soon after that they released their debut - and perhaps arguably best album - How Strange, Innocence (release year: 2000). Although they have been described as "post-rock" band member Munaf Rayani does not consider it post-rock, and says that they are merely a rock band. However, Explosions lets go of any traditional rock sensibilities, and their sound becomes unique and insatiable.

They have five studio albums, and are releasing a sixth to come out in the middle of this year. Their most recent album, All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone was released 4 years ago in 2007, and the band has been working on the next release ever since.
So many of their songs are so note-worthy, it's hard to narrow down songs to include as perhaps an introduction to the band. When I first started listening to them, it was primarily to How Strange, Innocence, and perhaps this was the best way for me to create an infatuation that has not ever ceased, another great album is Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Live Forever.

Although PitchforkfuckingMedia said that Magic Hours is to drawn out at the start, I completely disagree - this 8 minute plus track needs every single second that it uses to create a build up that becomes an emotional ride. Although they might be criticized for being overly emotional in their tracks - I think that it works. The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place becomes a feeling of hope as it peaks, creating an absolute surge of sound, and surrounding the listener.

Here's three of many possible tracks I could have included:

Magic Hours:



What Do You go Home to:


Your Hand in Mine:


Big Love,
Liv