Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Explosive

“Explosive” is one of bond's best pieces, which is probably the reason that their best hits album goes by the same name. However, pretty much all of their music is of such excellence that it is impossible for one to say that “Explosive” is any better than many others. It really is quite an explosive work of music. Like the powerful balance between a forceful shock wave and graceful plumes of fire, the aggressive drums and delicate strings form the awesome explosion that is the track's namesake. The main melody, which is played on strings, feels like it's all over the place, but at the same time it has a purpose. The drums provide a stabilizing center that anchors what would otherwise be an overly sporadic tune. “Explosive” also flows to other segments that have a different feel to them, sometimes a momentary time of peace provided by sky-blue flutes, or a spiky transition that builds up to the next part, and all feel as part of the same explosion. About three-fourths through the piece, some low brass of a lovely red forms one of the most moving counter-melodies with the strings that I have ever heard. The few snippets of unintelligible vocals function nicely as a bit of punctuation to the music. Altogether, “Explosive” is a powerful mixture of expert string playing and a jamming alloy of drums and supporting instruments that combines into a solid block of win.

You can listen to “Explosive” here.


You must remove the downloaded file from your computer within 24 hours. It is only a sample of a track which you can purchase on a CD. The author of this site cannot be held responsible for the misuse or copyright violation of this song as enforced by any given country's laws.


1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I've heard Bond before, and the introduction to this song really reminded me of their Led Zeppelin cover Cashmere. But what i think is so awesome about this song, and other songs of theirs is the genre-mixing they use.

The song intro's with a simple, almost Arabic sounding melody, which i think i've noticed in their other songs as well.

Then, like I said, the song opens with that Cashmere-like riff which is definately a rock melody. Next the main string melody comes in over it after a few measures. This seems to me like a bit of a bridge to the next part which sounds very classical with all the strings playing with little effects to them. Its still a contemporary spin, but they're playing with classical scales and harmonies (all the while with the beat that you raved about).

They go back to the main riff before the interlude-thing, which I have to say, I didn't expect. They slow it down and take out the beat tracks (and replace it with ... snapping fingers is it?). I really like the muted flutes and guitar "solo" at the end (I hate to label this genre so i'll just say its a new one).

Back to the classical part.

Then they make a really cool finally which reminds me of a Polyphonic Spree song "Reach for the Sun." The song's not important, it's just the style of adding a deep brass section under the main melody to build it to the climax. I don't know if I'd call this a new genre, but its certainly a new spin that most music doesn't have.

That's like 5 different music styles, all blended together for that unique Bond sound. I agree with you completely: it's an amazing song, and in my opinion it's their multiple styles in one song that make them great.