User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info
The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place Image
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 126 Ratings

  • Summary: This five-song album is the second release from the Austin, Texas instrumental quartet known for their fierce live shows.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. The tones and the story told -- wordlessly throughout -- are exquisite.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    It seems like ideal film-soundtrack music, except that its gargantuan beauty would probably overwhelm any image you'd match it to. [Listen 2 This supplement, Dec 2003, p.18]
  3. Uncut
    90
    A formidable demonstration of what can still be done with guitars. [Jan 2004, p.114]
  4. Explosions in the Sky doesn't shift as suddenly or jarringly on Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place; the quartet has applied more structural predictability this time out, but is still quick about setting the sad butterflies in your stomach to fluttering.
  5. Most of all, though, what we find ourselves thinking of when enjoying 'The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place' - and, rest assured, readers, it's an enjoyable experience right the way through - is the magical spangliness that elevated the Cocteau Twins from absolutely all of their more ghettoised contemporaries way back when.
  6. One of the most impressive aspects of The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place is that it feels constantly in flux, growing and transforming with every note.
  7. Blender
    40
    The quartet fills out the album by executing almost eactly the same formula [as the first track] four more times... and the dramatic shock wears off quickly. [Jan 2004, p.103]

See all 17 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 44
  3. Negative: 2 out of 44
  1. roxyM
    Jul 31, 2007
    10
    poignant and moving like nothing else in contemporary music. it makes me have hope for music of the future.
  2. juniorb
    Nov 18, 2005
    10
    description: post rock with the distinguished calm to explosion guitar and drum sections. This is an amazing, emotional, introspective, description: post rock with the distinguished calm to explosion guitar and drum sections. This is an amazing, emotional, introspective, powerful, and hopefilled album. EITS just has an epic sense of music and feeling. JUST GET IT! Expand
  3. MikeC
    Jan 20, 2010
    10
    An incredible accomplishment, every song on the album is gold. It all just flows so perfectly.
  4. Jun 25, 2013
    10
    The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place could be the greatest piece of music ever written. This music took me to outer space where I watchedThe Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place could be the greatest piece of music ever written. This music took me to outer space where I watched planets explode and then gently guided me back to my childhood playground where I watched myself grow up, and eventually to memories I thought I had forgotten from long ago. The smell of fall, dry cold air, care free with no responsibility, true love lost, lovers in the middle of a lake. Thank you Explosions in the Sky. Expand
  5. AndyW
    Nov 19, 2005
    10
    The whole album is a real masterpiece. Not only does the emotion and the production stand out, but there is not one single weak track on this The whole album is a real masterpiece. Not only does the emotion and the production stand out, but there is not one single weak track on this record. Every song is an outstanding piece, and they've blown my mind in so many ways. It's even so hard to try and pick the best song off it, because every song is well done in their own way. Explosions In the Sky will always be remembered for this outstanding record. Expand
  6. Jan 17, 2012
    10
    Throughout this album the first time I listened to it I felt nostalgic, cathartic, and even on the verge of tears. It has remained a part ofThroughout this album the first time I listened to it I felt nostalgic, cathartic, and even on the verge of tears. It has remained a part of my life since. Collapse
  7. CodyD
    Jun 29, 2006
    0
    There's not even any words! How crappy is this.

See all 44 User Reviews