Explosions in the Sky – Lanterns On The Lake - Blanck Mass At 02 Brixton Academy on Fri 27 Jan 2012

One half of electro duo F*** Buttons, Benjamin John Power’s ‘job on the side’ is Blanck Mass. A reasonable sized crowd, ‘early doors’ in a freezing Academy, saw Mr Power deliver an ambient delight of layered sounds that were at times delicate and, at others, thunderously loud. The light show enhanced the set as the only other onstage activity was Benjamin crouched behind his lap top and effect pedals, swigging on his beer. 

Newcastle’s own Lanterns on the Lake had an even more respectable crowd and played a superb set. Perfectly suited to a larger stage with their cinematic songs, they stormed through a 30 minute set. Also nice to see guitarist Paul Gregory in full flow in front of an amp covered with the Flag of Texas. Memories of SXSW came flooding back.

Having only seen Explosions In The Sky at festivals before, I was looking forward to experiencing the indoor power of the band. As they took the stage at 9.30pm the venue, now pretty much full, at last held some heat. The band said they were amazed that their music can fill this particular venue, and thanked everyone for coming. They graciously thanked Blanck Mass and Lanterns On The Lake. Done with the niceties, they reminded the audience, “We are Explosions In The Sky from, Texas, U.S.A” and proceeded to shake the walls of this venerable venue for the next 90 minutes without another word.

Being up close you can feel the gentle moments and see the intricacies of the music (I even spotted a tambourine a couple of times) as well as feeling the barrage of sound that they unleash. Expanded to a five piece for the live show, we got a good selection from the entire band’s career and a very satisfying set. Ninety minutes is just not enough though, so perhaps next tour we could do without the support (even though they were both excellent tonight) and have a three hour set…if our ears can handle it.

Pete

Postcard From 1952  (Take Care, Take Care, Take Care) 

Catastrophe and the Cure  (All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone) 

The Only Moment We Were Alone   (The Earth is not a Cold Dead place ) 

Be Comfortable, Creature  (Take Care, Take Care, Take Care)

Greet Death  (Those Who tell the Truth)

Six Days at the Bottom of the Ocean  (The Earth is not a cold dead place )

Let Me Back In   (Take Care, Take Care, Take Care)

The Birth and Death of the Day   (Reclaiming the Blade Soundtrack)

The Moon Is Down  (Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Live Forever  

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