Explosions in the Sky - The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place

Explosions in the Sky
The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place
Temporary Residence Ltd.
Grade: A-

Two years after their breakthrough record Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Die..., Explosions in the Sky offer their second for TRL in an amazing and dazzling display of instrumentation. Lauded over by many a critic, including those at Rolling Stone, the Texas four-piece of Explosions in the Sky have further honed and hammered their craft to present us with stunning five tracks (in forty-five minutes) on The Earth.... As is often the case, or at least should be, with instrumental pieces you have to submerge yourself in the song to really get a feel for it and appreciate what is going on. You can't say ‘just listen to this small part;' you have to take in the whole. This is probably the only instrumental record that I was able to drive to and not get sleepy. Inexplicably, everything became clear and concentration came easily and convincingly with Explosions in the background as I drove the desolate I-85. You know how they say that listening to classical music helps the analytical side of your brain in short-term problems? Well, the five tracks here smack Mozart's ass in that respect. As a friend is fond of saying: this is perfect music for coming off your Cradle of Filth high.