ALBUM REVIEW: EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY - TAKE CARE, TAKE CARE, TAKE CARE

Instrumental bands – tricky things, aren’t they? The fact that there still are bands today willing to be so raw and naked, with every note in plain sight, not masked by bombastic vocals, proves that this type of music still has a chance to make a delicate but lasting impact on our and future generations. That makes them harder to judge.

One of the bands who shine in this field is the American post-rock group Explosions in the Sky, who brings us the album Take Care, Take Care, Take Care, four years after All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone, making it their biggest gap between albums.

The first half of the album seems rather slow compared to the second half, making it a little unbalanced. Unfortunately, if somebody were to listen to just the first two or three songs thinking they represent the entire album, they would miss out on the better second half.

Out of the six songs, the ones that truly stand out are Postcard From 1952 and Let Me Back In. Postcard From 1952 starts out softly and builds up more and more intensity throughout the song, bringing it to a truly extraordinary ending. Let Me Back In starts and ends with some interesting and, in a way, creepy sounds effects, that seem taken out of the soundtrack of a ghost film. In between them, the song has some upbeat, cheerful parts that alternate with gentle, careful part, making it the most unique song on the album.

Is it a good album? Yes, it is. But is it their best? Unfortunately, no. And it doesn’t even come close to their critically acclaimed and fan favorite The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place. While their fans will most likely enjoy it, this is not the album you would give to a first-time listener, hoping to gain their love.

~ Irina Opris