EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY scores American Primeval
New Music

EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY scores “American Primeval”

2 mins read

When you hear the words “soundtrack album,” it’s easy to imagine something bland or forgettable, especially for a series drenched in the gritty hues of the American West. But American Primeval, Netflix’s latest limited series, sidesteps all clichés with an atmospheric soundtrack composed by none other than Explosions in the Sky.

This Texan post-rock ensemble, known for their mastery of emotive soundscapes, brings a unique depth to the project. The official soundtrack drops today, January 9, ahead of the series premiere.

American Primeval comes from Mark L. Smith, known for his work on The Revenant, and director Peter Berg, a collaborator of Explosions in the Sky on Friday Night Lights and Lone Survivor. The six-part Western stars Taylor Kitsch, Betty Gilpin, and Dane DeHaan, among others.

EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY scores American Primeval

It tells the story of a mother and son fleeing a troubled past, seeking a sense of family in the unforgiving landscape of the American frontier. Themes of survival, freedom, and brutality weave through the narrative, underscored by a soundtrack that captures the emotional weight of the story.

This is not Explosions in the Sky’s first venture into soundtracks, but it may be their most ambitious. Known for crafting evocative instrumental tracks, the band’s music often feels like a cinematic experience on its own. Here, their distinctive post-rock style blends seamlessly with the raw emotional currents of American Primeval. The collaboration with Berg, a director they’ve worked with on multiple occasions, brings a familiar synergy to the project.

American Primeval premieres on Netflix on January 9, alongside the digital release of the soundtrack.

Catch the band live at the following shows:

Mar 23, 2025 – The Ritz, Raleigh, NC
Mar 24, 2025 – Charleston Music Hall, Charleston, SC
Mar 25, 2025 – Plaza Live, Orlando, FL
Mar 26, 2025 – Jannus Live, St. Petersburg, FL
Mar 27-30, 2025 – Big Ears Festival, Knoxville, TN
Mar 28, 2025 – The Joy Theater, New Orleans, LA
Mar 29, 2025 – Iron City Bham, Birmingham, AL
Apr 1, 2025 – Deluxe @ Old National Centre, Indianapolis, IN
Apr 2, 2025 – Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor, MI
Apr 4, 2025 – Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaukee, WI
Apr 5, 2025 – The Sylvee, Madison, WI
Apr 7, 2025 – Newport Music Hall, Columbus, OH
Apr 8, 2025 – Stage AE, Pittsburgh, PA
Apr 10, 2025 – Ulster Performing Arts Center, Kingston, NY
Apr 11, 2025 – District Music Hall, Norwalk, CT
Apr 12, 2025 – Outline at Knockdown Center, New York, NY


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Karol Kamiński

DIY rock music enthusiast and web-zine publisher from Warsaw, Poland. Supporting DIY ethics, local artists and promoting hardcore punk, rock, post rock and alternative music of all kinds via IDIOTEQ online channels.
Contact via [email protected]

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