Released 10 years ago
The Wilderness
Explosions in the Sky · 2016
46 min · 9 tracks · post-rock
A sweeping soundscape where ethereal melodies intertwine with dynamic crescendos, evoking a profound sense of exploration and introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Logic of a Dream — This track features an intricate arrangement that builds slowly, allowing the listener to experience a gradual emotional ascent, encapsulating the album's overarching themes of introspection and hope.
-
→
Disintegration Anxiety — With its contrasting dynamics, this piece juxtaposes moments of tension with serene passages, effectively capturing the struggle between chaos and tranquility prevalent throughout the album.
-
→
Colors in Space — This track stands out for its lengthy exploration of layered sounds that evoke vast cosmic imagery, exemplifying the band's ability to create immersive auditory environments.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's sweeping soundscapes and dynamic structures create an immersive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features long tracks that often build from quiet, ambient sections to intense crescendos, creating a dynamic ebb and flow.
- Each track typically follows a structure of gradual layering, where instruments are introduced progressively to enhance the emotional impact.
- The final track concludes with a slow fade-out, leaving a lingering sense of resolution that contrasts with the earlier intensity.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing for deep focus
- introspective moments of reflection
- expansive soundscapes for immersion
- emotional peaks and valleys
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat instant gratification
- prefer short standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on April 1, 2016, The Wilderness marked Explosions in the Sky's first studio album in nearly five years, following their 2011 release Take Care, Take Care, Take Care. This album represented a significant moment in their career as they sought to redefine their sound while retaining the emotive essence that characterized their music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Godspeed You! Black Emperor· Sigur Rós· Mono
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Wilderness 4:37
- 2 The Ecstatics 3:12
- 3 Tangle Formations 5:34
- 4 Logic of a Dream 6:38
- 5 Disintegration Anxiety 4:11
- 6 Losing the Light 6:02
- 7 Infinite Orbit 2:38
- 8 Colors in Space 7:15
- 9 Landing Cliffs 6:17
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.