Down Is The New Up

2011 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR

#1 - Explosions in the Sky - Take care, Take Care, Take Care

In a word: Breathtaking

I challenge anyone to listen to Explosions in the Sky and not fall in love with the world (if you were not already). It is epic and passionate without words, a perfect encapsulation of everything that is good about the world - especially music.

These emotionally dynamic compositions of soaring highs and haunting lows we have heard from EITS before, but the development of the band since their last album in 2007 is apparent here.

Possibly more ambient in part than prior albums, but certainly less minimalist. Nondescript vocals appear on Trembling Hands, but the use of electronic loops and background noise add body and texture to the huge build-ups that they craft. Layered Guitars, soaring and delicate at the same time punctuated by perfect drumming with intricate time signatures create well crafted tales, with emotions expressed instrumentally through the movements, changes, highs and lows - it is nothing short of beautiful.

There is no point doing a track by track analysis - just get it and listen.

Track listing

Last Known Surroundings - 8:22

Human Qualities - 8:10

Trembling Hands - 3:31

Be Comfortable,Creature - 8:48

Postcard from 1952 - 7:07

Let Me Back In - 10:07

This was my favourite Album of the year and certainly my favourite album for quite some time.

I felt this way prior to seeing the band live.

Then afterwards….

whoa

I have no words