Vinyl Vault Entry #8: Instrumental Grace of Explosions in the Sky's 'The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place'

The implicit ambiguity of instrumental music allows for endless interpretations and emotional reactions. For the eighth entry of the T&E vinyl vault, writer Brandon Biallas picks Explosions in the Sky's post-rock album The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place and writes about the compelling beauty he experiences with each listen.

Album: The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place (2003)
Artist: Explosions In The Sky
Label: Temporary Residence/Bella Union
Genre(s): Post Rock, Instrumental Rock, Ambient
Favorite song: “Your Hand In Mine” ​

Why did you choose this record?

Instrumental music like this speaks to me in ways lyrical music never has. It’s a unique experience whenever I’m listening depending on where I’m at in life. Lots of music changes over time for people but every time I hear this record it’s like hearing it for the first time all over again as different emotions overflow into my brain. The implicit ambiguity in music without lyrics has always been fascinating to me. No one person will ever hear or interpret these songs the same way. I think I’ll always find that aspect of this particular album equal parts compelling and beautiful
    
What does it sound like? 

Ethereal, reverb-drenched guitars caress your ear drums like a memory foam mattress hugs your body. The pounding and pulsating of the bass and drums mirrors your heartbeat as you experience the music in real time. It’s a comforting, musical embrace for the entire duration of the album. Like a long-awaited reunion with an old friend or a loved one.

Tell us about the album art featured on this record.

It’s a sprawling wall of text with the words “The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place” written over and over on the front cover. In the back, this pattern continues with the track names highlighted in red, cleverly interspersed between the repetitive yet hopeful declaration the album repeatedly conjures in your mind.

What is the packaging like for this release? Are there any inserts or gatefold images?

Inside the main record jacket are two sleeves. One is covered with a blazing fire engulfing the words repeated on the front and back cover. The other record contains an overlapping image of verdant trees towering in front of the text. One might assume this means that live brings death and death brings life. The order and frequency of the repetition entirely dependant on your perspective.
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Tell us more about your record collection in general.

My collection is made up of all kinds of records I’ve been periodically obsessed with throughout my life. A lot of them are jazz records from the '50s and '60s. I have some hip hop and metal albums too. Deltron 3030 by Deltron, & The End Complete by Obituary to name a couple. One of my other favorite records is a Django Reinhardt Anthology collection. His mastery of the guitar was truly unparalleled even by today’s standards and it’s a simultaneously mind blowing and relaxing experience whenever I feel like spinning those records. I feel like I enjoy music collections the most when they’re eclectic and full of options that cater to whatever mood the day brings you.

What does record collecting mean to you? 

It’s a great form of self expression. Every record has a story about how it found its way into your life behind it. I love hearing everyone’s stories of how they came across a certain record and what it means to them. I had a friend who collected traditional folk records from any country he could find. The Russian one was perfect drinking/party music.