Explosions in the Sky always find a way to balance growth and staying true to themselves. It’s not easy for any band to do that, let alone a group that has been making music for 26 years. I’ve said as much in my past reviews of this group.

Each album carries its own emotions for me, telling stories about regret, reminiscing about lost loves, adventures, a general sense of ennui, and landscapes I’ve never seen. The End is not the end of the group or the end of anything. Instead, it feels like a rush of excitement when you accomplish something.

This album starts off boldly with “Ten Billion People,” an energetic song with the unmistakable echo of a clock. Time moving forward, counting down to something, an eagerness to get to the next adventure.

The rest of the album has just as much excitement and urgency. My favorite song on the album is “The Fight.” Over the course of about six minutes, it teases the listener with a barely contained, undulating energy. When it finally erupts, that energy released, the song becomes a driving anthem that evokes defiance and a sense of youthful fire tempered with wisdom.

The End is my second-favorite Explosions in the Sky album. It’s fun, engaging, and moving and I can’t wait to see what they do next.