Explosions In The Sky : "All of a Sudden, I Miss Everyone" (Temporary Residence)

Explosions In The Sky need no introduction, the Texan quartet have set numerous standards with their previous albums. 2003's "The Earth Is Not a Cold Place" is considered by many, as a benchmark album of the post-rock genre. Since then, many have tried to match it, most have failed. In fact, I would go as far to say, that the thousands of acts who have aped EITS sound, have almost succeeded in cheapening its value.

However, it's 2007 and "All of a Sudden, I Miss Everyone" is out and EITS are not messing about. They are back to reclaim their throne, from the legions of poor man's post-rock bands, and they mean business. "The Birth and Death of the Day" heralds their return with a rattle of guitars, bass and drums within the first 30 seconds. It's a real statement of intent and after a couple of minutes of intense build-up this track explodes into a crushing, galloping rythmn, resembling the charge of a cavalry at the start of an ancient war. I will eat my hat, if this is not the set opener on their forthcoming tour. The glorious start and triumphant chorus of "The Birth and.." would be worth the admission price alone.

The good thing about "All of a Sudden..." is the Texan quartet haven't screwed with their sound too much. There are no "Kid A" style left turns here, asides from the slightly forced sounding piano washes on "So Long, Lonesome" and "What Do You Go Home To?". But we can forgive a band for experimenting, can't we?. Besides, give "What Do You Go Home To?" a few more listens, the melody will burrow itself into your head and it will catch you in the back of the throat.

The main problem here is the fact that the album has been leaked on the net for over 3 months now, enabling people to form their opinions and basing them on poor quality mp3's. Most have dismissed this album as a poor return from EITS. Upon hearing the stunning 13 minute "It's Natural To Be Afraid", complete with the trademaek intense build-up, followed by a volley of heavenly, cascading guitar interplay, I would have to disagree. It's a near flawless return, with some of the tracks having real potential to become crowd favourites. It is as if they have never been away.

My only (minor) gripe is that not one track stands out over the other. "The Earth Is Not..." had "Six Days At The Bottom of the Ocean" and as gorgeous as the likes of "Welcome, Ghosts" is here, it doesn't quite match the emotional impact of past glories. But, I have always maintained that Explosions take things to a different stratosphere ,let alone level, in a live setting. Listening to the monolithic "Catastrophe and the Cure", I can almost picture guitarist Munaf on stage with his legs apart, swaying hypnotically to the music.

Every single element that makes EITS so special is intact on "All of A Sudden..". The guitar interplay, the intensity, the swooning melodies, the militaristic percussion, it's all there. Explosions In The Sky are back and have reclaimed their throne. They are the Post-Rock Kings once again.

"Welcome, Ghosts" mp3 - Explosions In The Sky

Rating = 80%

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