TRAVELS IN CONSTANTS (VOL. 21): THE RESCUE

Wondering what Explosions in the Sky sounds like? Wanting to hear what post rock sounds like? Wanting to broaden your prog perspective? Want free music? If the answer to any of the above is yes, then go to this band's website and download this free EP immediately. Although this is a decent first exposure/introduction to Explosions in the Sky's music, it does not at all sum up the post rock subgenre, and if you dislike it, than surely do not paint this diverse subgenre in the same colour as this album. I can guarantee that Godspeed's or Ulver's music is nothing like this.

This album does require a lot of attention to listen to properly, and it would properly do to avoid listening to the entire thing in one sitting. This is a record (and a band [and a subgenre, for that matter]) that really requires thorough absorbing to fully appreciate. With minimal percussion, lots of soothing mellow guitar, the loosey-goosey, nimbostratus song structures really offer a slow and almost psychedelic experience. Bells/xylophone (whatever that instrument is) along with subtle piano add an even more cloud-like, aerial, even celestial musical touch. With a small amount of wordless vocals, and some spoken word, the soundscapes are complete. Some of the effects (particularily on drums) I find very distracting and quite irritating, actually. And, unfortunately, the ethereal song structure does grow tiresome, and we begin to wonder if they will compose something a bit more stimulating. Even the soft and mellow melodies do not conjure up a substantial emotional response. To sum up their sound: this record sounds like Sigur Ros, without the heavenly vocals, and without as many melodies, or as much atmosphere. Worth a listen, though, for both Explosion fans, and for post rock fans (especially since it's free!)