Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Live Forever

Explosions in the Sky's 2001 release offers a plethora of musical colors and fascinating detours. All six lengthy tracks are centered on moody guitar, bass, and drum textures. The result is a mix of subtle, organic tones and raucous, sometimes heavily amplified effects.
Overall, the music on THOSE WHO TELL THE TRUTH SHALL DIE, THOSE WHO TELL THE TRUTH SHALL LIVE FOREVER is as complex, long-winded, and obtuse as the title itself. However, the sonic landscape created by this eclectic quartet is also warm and inviting. The simple catch phrase for this style of music is emo-rock, which is an abbreviation for emotional rock. Like this style implies, these compositions are expressive and intense. Whether it is the screaming guitars of "Greet Death" or the brooding "The Moon is Down," this CD writhes with great musical transparency. The finest selection on this release may be the last track, "With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept." On this piece, the band uses a cornucopia of dense guitar sounds, a relentless military drum cadence, and dark chords that loop ominously.