REVIEW/PHOTOS/VIDEO: Explosions in the Sky @ Tipitina’s – 9/28/11

Explosions in the Sky @ Tipitina's - 9/28/11 - Photo © Jimmy Grotting

On a stormy Wednesday night, Texas space rockers Explosions in the Sky washed every molecule of space in 501 Napoleon with riff squalls, overflowing the building with ambitious, montage-y triple guitar rock music. I moved around a fair bit given the somewhat short set (75 minutes or so) and never arrived at a spot inside or out of the immediate perimeter of the building where the music wasn’t resonating clearly. Outside around the corner, in the bathroom, in the back nook behind the soundboard, upstairs, under the B-Ball goal – regardless of where you were the power of this music was inescapable. The largest appeal of this band is their rare sense of restraint. In the modern landscape where apex-a-minute, instant gratification electronica and dubstep is seemingly taking over the world, it’s nice to see a band that respects the fact that sometimes less is more, patiently waiting for the right moment to deliver that final blowout after several measures of sonic edification set a very palpable tone. It is no wonder this band’s music is chosen by so many Music Supervisors to accompany a moving, powerful scene – this stuff inspires mind movies, life flashbacks, deep thoughts, etc, very cool to watch it delivered live. If I have one complaint, the set could’ve been much longer and although I don’t think encores are always necessary, last night could’ve definitely used one to reward the sold out crowd for turning out on a soggy night. Either way, all in all, those in the yellow house undoubtedly got their money’s worth.

About the author

Wesley grew up in coastal Georgia and is a former resident of The Music City and The Big Easy where he helped get LMB NOLA off-the-ground after launching in January 2011. Over the past few years, he has also contributed steadily to JamBase and Relix Magazine. Recently, Hodges moved on to L.A. where Abita Beer is hard to find, costs about $6 if located and impromptu parading in the streets will most likely get you arrested on the spot.

 

Tags: Explosions in the Sky, Tipitinas