Explosions In The Sky @ O2 Brixton
Pure, delightful escapism
Review
The first time Itchy saw Explosions in the Sky was more than five years
ago in Leeds. With a capacity of just 400, The Brudenell Social Club
was filled not only with Explosions in the Sky fans but mainly with
those there to see Four Tet, the headlining act of the evening.
That was 2005 and it seems strange that Explosions in the Sky, then a support act, are now playing to almost 5,000 people that have crammed into the Brixton Academy. What’s more, they now have their own equally fantastic support acts in the form of Blanck Mass and folktronica darlings, Lanterns on the Lake.
Joyfully, although the venue has changed, the band have not and they still employ the same amount of sweet, harmonious energy that have elevated their status to deserved grandfathers of the post-rock world.
Opening with trademark lilting guitar from their most recent album, there is an air of anticipation in the large and crowded venue. We know and love Explosions in the Sky for their gentle building of sounds from soft initial chords peaking in huge uplifting crescendos of heavy guitar, rhythmic drumming and layers of beautiful noise. Despite knowing exactly what to expect, we don’t tire of the moment that dream-like, twinkling sounds escape into a dramatic frenzy of loud beautiful music.
Where this band differs from their post-rock cousins is largely mood. Where Godspeed You Black Emperor and Mogwai instill a sense of melancholy and often wish to impress upon us politics or grave ideologies, Explosions in the Sky are pure, delightful escapism. The crowd tonight is lost in the elating melodies of the Texan four-piece and the atmosphere is pleasant and peaceful.
Although we can imagine appreciating Explosions in the Sky alone on headphones at the crack of dawn, seeing them live is not to be missed. Their energy and lovely music fills the room with a heady atmosphere that gives credit to their sell-out performances. Although we’ll always favour their more early intimate performances, it’s easy to understand why so many now flock to attend their gigs. See them for a feeling of sheer exuberance!
Emma Cooper
That was 2005 and it seems strange that Explosions in the Sky, then a support act, are now playing to almost 5,000 people that have crammed into the Brixton Academy. What’s more, they now have their own equally fantastic support acts in the form of Blanck Mass and folktronica darlings, Lanterns on the Lake.
Joyfully, although the venue has changed, the band have not and they still employ the same amount of sweet, harmonious energy that have elevated their status to deserved grandfathers of the post-rock world.
Opening with trademark lilting guitar from their most recent album, there is an air of anticipation in the large and crowded venue. We know and love Explosions in the Sky for their gentle building of sounds from soft initial chords peaking in huge uplifting crescendos of heavy guitar, rhythmic drumming and layers of beautiful noise. Despite knowing exactly what to expect, we don’t tire of the moment that dream-like, twinkling sounds escape into a dramatic frenzy of loud beautiful music.
Where this band differs from their post-rock cousins is largely mood. Where Godspeed You Black Emperor and Mogwai instill a sense of melancholy and often wish to impress upon us politics or grave ideologies, Explosions in the Sky are pure, delightful escapism. The crowd tonight is lost in the elating melodies of the Texan four-piece and the atmosphere is pleasant and peaceful.
Although we can imagine appreciating Explosions in the Sky alone on headphones at the crack of dawn, seeing them live is not to be missed. Their energy and lovely music fills the room with a heady atmosphere that gives credit to their sell-out performances. Although we’ll always favour their more early intimate performances, it’s easy to understand why so many now flock to attend their gigs. See them for a feeling of sheer exuberance!
Emma Cooper
