Review: Explosions in the Sky at Astor Theatre

Explosions in the Sky at Astor Theatre
w/ THEÅDORE
Monday, May 27, 2024

It didn’t take long for the fireworks to start on Monday night.

Opening with a wall of sound, Texan post-rock giants Explosions in the Sky surprised even hardcore fans by kicking off with their 12-minute epic With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept.

(Yes, what they lack in lyrics they certainly make up for in titles.)

The finale from 2001’s similarly protracted Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Live Forever, their second album, it was a mighty introduction, from the ambient mid-song breakdown to their EBow-inspired builds and crashing crescendos. It’s not unique to post-rock, but the quiet-loud dynamic is perhaps more present in this kind of instrumental music than any other genre.

With tracks this long, it made sense that across 70 odd minutes they only played eight songs. In an ever-changing setlist, it probably wouldn’t have mattered what they played given the consistency of Explosions’ catalogue, but no one was complaining that all but two tunes were pre-2008.

The more recent numbers from last year’s End were hardly unwelcome and fit seamlessly into the whole. The Fight, in particular, was treated to the most effective lighting for the night. Drenching the stage in red for a soundscape intro set to a near-military beat, its dramatic switch to white during an insane instrumental peak showed the power and effectiveness of even the most minimal production values.

The way it then segued into 2003’s 10-minute banger The Only Moment We Were Alone to close the night was mixed so smoothly that you’d be forgiven for thinking they were the same song. Sure, it could’ve been a touch louder à la Mogwai earlier this year, but the sheer scale of it made up for any lack in volume.

With three incredibly animated and energetic guitarists ensuring a captivating stage show throughout, it was hard not to be impressed by Michael James switching back and forth on bass. His fretboard work rivalled Peter Hook the next night, notably on Peace or Quiet, which was intricate and captivating even before it erupted into furious power chords.

Your Hand in Mine, by contrast, exemplified the chiming, clean guitar sound that is their signature. Prettier than any six-string instrument you’re ever likely to hear, it was a clear crowd favourite and a reminder of Explosions’ soundtrack credentials (see their Friday Night Lights score).

Earlier, THEÅDORE was an unexpected delight, opening the night. She may not have many songs online (and is a tough find on Google), but she was a surprising choice of support even before we realised her usually synth pop sounds would be served up unplugged and acoustic.

Sat at a piano, she noted, “I never asked to be loved,” and with a youthful St. Vincent vibe, she certainly looks set to break a lot of hearts. But with a slew of future hits, including the anthemic Ring Me Out to close, she’ll no doubt win plenty too. It all proved a perfect warm-up for the fireworks and explosions to follow, with intimacy making way for thunderous intensity.

HARVEY RAE

Photos by Linda Dunjey