polaroids of androids

Here's a challenge for you young pilgrammer - try and describe Explosions In The Sky without using the world 'epic'.

It would be like trying to describe early 90's hip-hop without using words like 'awesome', 'creative' and 'Wu-Tang'. Yes! It would be absolutely pointless.

So let's not beat the bushes - this is another epic release from the instrumental group. It's a 6 track, 43 minute journey which is, once again, beautifully crafted by a band which perfected their niche sound a long time ago.

Being an instrumental album, it goes without saying that this is not for everyone. Even the biggest fans of 'music without singin' are not always in the mood for just music.

The flaws of this release are not in the music produced as it's so perfectly structured it's impossible for the listener not to become enthralled in the musical journey which is played out. No, the weakness of this album is in the roll in which it plays in the band's catalogue. It's simply another notch in their belt.

Maybe I am missing the subtle advancements in their sound, but, to me, they haven't progressed their music forward and there is no obvious evidence of the band developing their sound. For fans of their music, this is where the disapointment in this release lies. I believe this is mainly due to the absence of vocals, as it can't be easy for a band to seperate their releases when they don't have lyrical content to fall back on.

All that said, this is still a fantastic release from a highly talented band. On a cold, stormy night when you are in the mood to lie on the floor and take yourself on a little musical trip this is surely the perfect companion.