Explosions in the Sky: Take Care, Take Care, Take Care

(Bella Union)

It’s been over a decade since this Texan post-rock foursome first formed through an advert – ‘Wanted: Sad triumphant rock band’ – and this fifth album sees them sticking to that definition while subtly expanding their sound. It’s evolution not revolution as ‘Be Comfortable, Creature’ and ‘Human Qualities’ slowly build layered guitars to a skull-crushing finale in a way only Explosions and nearest contemporaries Mogwai can do. But, like their Scottish counterparts, Explosions are diversifying both into soundtracky vibes and more direct rock ‘n’ roll, the latter demonstrated by the visceral bludgeon of closer ‘Trembling Hands’. Sad and triumphant indeed.