Written by Anthony Nguyen
December 23, 2005

Explosions in the Sky music was always dark and loud, yet had subtle touches of magic. When 2003 rolled around, the band released The Earth is Not a Cold Place which changed directions in commendable fashion. The music painted pictures of icey landscapes, chilling depth, and frozen tundras of loneliness. The image of being there and finding out some truth is spreads throughout the album through the soaring guitars, tight knit drumming and power bass.

It's instrumental, yet it pulls out more messages than any song with lyrics. "The Only Moment We Were Alone" is a classic example of this beauty. While there are many bands that can pull a post-rock sound such as Mogwai or Do Say Make Think, none compare to the creative skill, tight chords, and thrill ride that the Texan band can bring.

Picture if you can, that you're standing there alone; maybe not totally alone, but you feel alone, stuck in a place where you don't know anyone, and no one knows you. You're left searching for some thing, some sign that you feel wanted, that you exist. Unsure of your confidence and not really knowing what to do next. You're frantic, and scared, nervous perhaps. But then, you see someone, a familiar face maybe. And you're relieved it's THE ONE. And the whole world is shut out of your mind because you're here and she's here, and nothing else really matters.

Your soul is rejuvinated with wonders and confidence. You no longer think of the dispair that you were just in. You just want to be here, and with her. It's special in many ways. A special encounter that can only have happened this way, and no other way.

Explosions in the Sky is an impressive band. For the youthful ages they are, they play their music like their experienced veterans. They disguise guitars and drums with the most amazing artwork of life, death, tragedy, and love.