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The Wilderness
by
The Wilderness Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 41 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the seventh full-length studio release and the first non-soundtrack album since 2011 for the Texan post-rock quartet.
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  • Record Label: Temporary Residence
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Indie Rock, Post-Rock, Soundtracks, Stage & Screen, Instrumental Rock
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Apr 7, 2016
    100
    Textured, ornate, and somehow seeping into the deepest parts of you. Notch it as the best Explosions in the Sky album since their previous high-water mark, 2003's The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place.
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Mar 30, 2016
    90
    The album is thrillingly foreign yet familiar in its finest moments.
  3. Consequence
    Mar 30, 2016
    83
    The Wilderness proves that Explosions in the Sky aren’t stuck in any creative rut.
  4. Uncut
    Mar 28, 2016
    80
    There's something bleak about this music, but it is spacious, often epic, too. [May 2016, p.73]
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  5. Pretty Much Amazing
    Mar 31, 2016
    75
    It lacks the game-changing element of The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place or Those Who Tell the Truth. Instead of pushing into new universes, they’re content to find a quiet corner in one they’ve already built. That being said, the craft involved is evident, and there’s an assuredness and polish to the compositions; the fingerprints of a veteran group.
  6. Drowned In Sound
    Apr 4, 2016
    70
    All in all Explosions In the Sky still retain their vitality in strong melody and melodramatic disposition, it’s just at times you wish they were a little more daring.
  7. DIY Magazine
    Mar 31, 2016
    40
    The Wilderness, though, is Explosions hitting autopilot when they enter uncharted airspace, rather than exploring the potentially limitless universe beyond.

See all 26 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. israelbarba
    Apr 2, 2016
    10
    This is how you show evolution, maturity and brightness without any presumptuous arrogance, not one bit. This is genius, best album I've heardThis is how you show evolution, maturity and brightness without any presumptuous arrogance, not one bit. This is genius, best album I've heard in a long, long time.… Expand
  2. L4M0R4K
    Apr 1, 2016
    10
    I've only got into Explosions in the Sky recently by listening to their previous albums. I soon saw that their new album (this one) was comingI've only got into Explosions in the Sky recently by listening to their previous albums. I soon saw that their new album (this one) was coming out very soon. I spent the entire morning listening to it and i personally think its amazing. The tracks on the album appear to have different moods, some are calm such as the last track 'Landing Cliffs' where as some can have a very dramatic feeling such as 'Logic of a Dream'. All of the tracks are also very emotion as well. This is certainly one of the best albums i've listened to over the past year and one that i would recommend to any post-rock fan.… Expand
  4. jordanumo663
    Apr 17, 2016
    9
    I've never really listened to much of Explosions In The Sky's older music but i love the ambient sounds on this album. There are some calmI've never really listened to much of Explosions In The Sky's older music but i love the ambient sounds on this album. There are some calm songs and some aggressive songs on this album.… Expand
  5. ns156
    Apr 14, 2016
    8
    It doesn't have the killer individual tracks that their older albums do, but it's the best *album* from start to finish since The EarthIt doesn't have the killer individual tracks that their older albums do, but it's the best *album* from start to finish since The Earth INADCP. It flows from track to track, with new sound colors beyond the usual jangly guitars and alternating soft and driving drums. Gorgeous.… Expand
  6. RiverPlate
    Apr 4, 2016
    5
    i have to disagree... i listened the album at night, alone with a glass of wine and fall asleep. the tracks are 4 min ambient sounds and 3 mini have to disagree... i listened the album at night, alone with a glass of wine and fall asleep. the tracks are 4 min ambient sounds and 3 min of their usual arpeggios and distortion. luckily the last track brought me back to life.… Expand

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