Explosions In The Sky

The five-piece Texan instrumental band have a carefully honed style, wherein loud, delayed chiming guitars intertwine in post-rock peaks and troughs. On record the effect is enjoyable but sometimes underwhelming, live however, the band are a wonderful force to be reckoned with. Recent album ‘The Wilderness’ provided some welcome variety: textures such as an electronic drumkit and groovier elements were perfect to keep things fresh. ‘Disintegration Alley’ was a highlight with some palm-muted fluttering riffs to circle around, and special mention must also go to the lighting, which went from multicoloured spaceship to wispy waterfall and helped keep the audience’s attention when there was no frontman to focus on. A great all-round performance from a tight band, currently on a great run of artistic form.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 24 April 2016

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