Explosions in the Sky is an American post-rock band from Texas. The band is a quartet, composed of drummer Chris Hrasky and guitarist/keyboardists Michael James, Munaf Rayani and Mark Smith. The band originally played under the name Breaker Morant, then changed to the current name in 1999. They primarily play with three electric guitars and a drum kit, although James will at times exchange his electric guitar for a bass guitar and all three guitarists also add additional keyboard and synthesizer parts. The band later added a fifth musician to their live performances, largely to accommodate for these bass and keyboard parts – a role currently held by multi-instrumentalist Jay Demko. The band has released eight studio albums to date; their most recent, End, was released in September 2023.
The band has garnered popularity beyond the post-rock scene for their elaborately developed guitar work, narratively styled instrumentals – which they refer to as "cathartic mini-symphonies" – and their emotional live shows.
Links to Peel[]
Peel first played the group's material in October 2001 via their album, Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Live Forever. The album was nominated by Peel as one of his records of the month for October 2001 (Peel's Record Box). Impressed by their material, he invited the group twice to record sessions for his programmes.
Festive Fifty Entries[]
- 2011 Festive Fifty: Last Known Surroundings #30
Sessions[]
Explosions In The Sky 2002.09.18 BBC Radio 1 Peel Session
1. Recorded: 2002-09-18. First Broadcast: 15 October 2002. Repeated: 08 April 2003
- First Breath After Coma / The Moon Is Down / Memorial
2. Recorded: 2004-01-28. First Broadcast: 11 February 2004
- The Only Moment We Were Alone / The Long Spring / With Tired Eyes Tired Minds Tired Souls We
Other Shows Played[]
- 16 October 2001: Have You Passed Through This Night? (LP – Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Die) Temporary Residence
- 25 October 2001: A Poor Man's Memory (LP - Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Die) Temporary Residence
- 01 November 2001 (Radio Eins): Have You Passed Through This Night? (LP – Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Die) Temporary Residence
- 2002
- 10 October 2002: 'A Poor Man's Memory (LP – Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Die)' (The Temporary Residence)
- 2004
- 29 April 2004: A Poor Man's Memory (LP - Those Who Tell The Truth etc) Temporary Residence