THE EARTH IS NOT A COLD DEAD PLACE

This is one of the most emotionally stimulating albums of the 21st century. Amazingly, EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY manages without words. Two guitars, a bass and a drummer are what comprise this band, and who knew that such a bare instrumentation (no keyboards) could make such atmospheric heart wrenching music. The key is all in their song names:

First Breath After Coma The Only Moment We Were Alone Six Days at the Bottom of the Ocean Memorial Your Hand In Mine

If this album had lyrics, I would have to guess it would be a concept album, for every song flows into another; the band could have easily released this album as one song. They provide song names and let your imagination run wild as to what story they are trying to tell. This album is so uplifting and gives you that happy-even-though-im-tearing-up feeling. The music does not really demand much from the listener accept some patience for the first listen, because you cant really appreciate it as much until you know what to expect. I will admit that I didn't even like it that much until I listened to it three or four times, and here I am giving it five stars. I recommend this to anyone who likes GODSPEED YOU! BLACK EMPEROR, SIGUR ROS, MOGWAI, CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO, KING CRIMSON, and perhaps YES.

There are soft moments with two guitars playing happy or sometimes sad harmonies that sing a magical melody and a beautiful ambiance. The band also manages without very many effects; to them its all in the chords and emotion that do the work. These quiet moments are usually without drums, then the drums build underneath the guitars much like GY!BE does where it explodes into a beautiful stream of distorted guitars, one holding the chord and the other playing a beautiful lead. The drums are played differently than one might expect, sometimes trying to sound like a lead instrument, other times played like drum line marching style (once again like GY!BE) The bass, usually isn't very evident, but sometimes it plays high to accompany the guitars harmonies. So if you are expecting a very generic and boring sound to come out of this band because of the instrumentation and lack of effects, well you are probably wrong. The standout tracks to me are The Only Moment We Were Alone and Six Days at The Bottom of the Ocean."

I cannot explain this album, to you track by track, because it is just something that you are going to have to experience yourself. Unquestionably a definite YES from me as a fan of progressive music. I give this album 4.5 stars rounded up, because the instrumentation amazes me. The flow of the album is so smooth, so you will find yourself starting at the beginning of the album, not allowing yourself to listen to individual tracks, because you have this feeling that something isn't complete. Listening to individual tracks off this album would be like trying to watch one or two scenes of a movie. "The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place" is definitely a masterpiece of prog, and I beckon anyone to give it a try. Masterpiece!

4.5+/5

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