Explosions In The Sky
"How Strange Innocence"
Temporary Residence Ltd.
www.explosionsinthesky.com


A gorgeously frustrated instrumental rock band, Explosions In The Sky is a bundle of love and noise.
The Austin-based quartet came together in 1999 and has since gone on to produce several fantastic
jazzy, prog-rock, instrumental fantasies for Temporary Residence Ltd.

Another Temporary Residence band out of Austin - the fantastically mellow rockers - American Analog
Set helped EITS get noticed by Temporary Residence Ltd. AMANSET sent a live recording of EITS to
the guys at Temporary Residence and attached a note which read "THIS TOTALLY FUCKING
DESTROYS." In 2001 EITS released the proper debut "Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Die,
Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Live Forever" on Temporary Residence. A sprawling, cacophonous
mish mash of precision and practical jokes it was warmly received. They followed it up with a 2 CD release
called "The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place" and inclusion on the soundtrack for Billy Bob Thorton
vehicle "Friday Night Lights."

But before all that, they recorded "How Strange Innocence." The album was done in January 2000
in Austin and was never properly released. Now Temporary Residence has reissued the disc, with
wonderful remastering from John Golden - who has worked with Low and Neurosis, among others.

"How Strange Innocence" is a 7 track document which showcases a rawer EITS. Stripped down a bit,
with less time to fuss, the band produced this CD in only 2 days and the earnest beats and happy
guitar strings have bubbled to the top thanks to Golden's remastering.

The CD recalls bands like Bedhead, Mogwai, Godspeed You Black Emperor and even Unwound or Fugazi.
Songs are often set gently out on the table, then mashed up - darting and pounding. All
instrumental, the band holds your attention with its excellent musicianship and forceful presentation.
Golden's mastering lets each note be heard and allows Explosions In The Sky to be the grandiose,
sad, triumphant (instrumental) rock band they always wanted to be.


Reviewed by : Mike Hammer