When a city demands two nights, you give them two nights. This last week Denver sold out two doses of the veteran Texan rock band Explosions in the Sky (Tuesday May 10 & Monday May 11th). The band is fresh off their latest album The Wilderness — a collection with the same instrumental dreams they always give but with a louder and heavier flare that we have not yet seen from Explosions. For over 15 years, Explosions in the Sky’s relevance has not wavered, always bringing a fresh and unique form of rock and roll in an age that some are have called “post rock.”
Photo by Will Sheehan
I was able to catch night two of the run at The Ogden Theatre, and quickly into the start of the show, I realized everything I thought I knew about this band was not all they had to offer. If you are like most and have only listened to Explosions in the Sky in a non-live setting, or in the TV show and movie Friday Night Lights, you probably see them as having a very relaxed and maybe even quiet sound. Perhaps a band to put on as you fall asleep. I’m here to tell you right now that their live show is the exact opposite. Explosions in the Sky may be one of the loudest and heaviest live concerts I have seen in a long time. They perfectly blow your hair back while maintaining this pretty and dream-like sound by just using guitars and a drum set.
Photo by Will Sheehan
Their live show was nothing short of a spectacle for the ears and eyes, bringing an incredible light show that came from the floor, rivaling any big name EDM act that spends half their budget on the light show. Even though the melodies of Explosions in the Sky aren’t made for dancing, the beautifully constructed buildups from quiet dreams to explosive rock riffs gave the crowd no choice but to move in some sort of way. The night ended like it began, high as the ceiling and with plenty of peaks and valleys throughout, I have now confirmed that Explosions in the Sky is something special. I wish I could tell you they will be back in Colorado soon, but they have been doing this since 2000 and may be slowing down. All I can tell you is to check out their new album and to look out for more tour dates or festivals at any location near you.
Photo by Will Sheehan