Since the 2013 release of Satellite, Spanish post-rock/proggers Exxasens have undergone some substantial development, primarily from being pretty much the one man project of one Jordi Ruiz into what could be considered a ‘true’ band (albeit still with Ruiz as the main creative and driving force). As they have expanded into a multi-faceted being, so their music seems to have grown, or at least enhanced sides to it, as Back To Earth (both Aloud) is perhaps their most layered to date.

All though the band’s basic components of serene, post-rock (well, about as basic as they ever were), the prog nuances here are much more vivid and colourful, and there’s even further exploration into newer territories, from the ambient to metal. On opening track ‘Supernova’ it builds up from humble, wistful beginnings to almost resembling less heavy side of Mastodon, accompanied by a new arrow in the band’s quiver, vocals; whilst the likes of Mogwai can be heard in the multi-layered ‘Hugeness’.

Returning to the new venture of vocals, small sung passages return on ‘Hugeness’, before the penultimate track ‘Saturn’ features them fully thoughout with Miki Abril’s delivery sounding somewhere between Scott Stapp and Brann Dailor, proving unexpectedly deep but still matching to the music. Another area Back To Earth differs in its more succinct, song writing as, with the exception of ‘Bright Side Of The Moon’, there are no long players, with most songs ranging from the four to sixth minute mark, proving more direct and immediate. That being said the 8 minute ‘Bright side…’ still proves a highlight, allowing room for the song to air and breathe.

Ultimately Back To Earth is both a continuation of the band’s beautiful and uplifting sonic landscape, but complete with a few new tricks that may appear simplistic and not ground-breaking on paper, in practice they offer the music so many new avenues and layers. This may be back to earth in some ways, but in others, this shows there are more worlds for them to explore.  Back To Earth is evidence of an already great band showing just how special they can be.

8.0/10

CHRIS TIPPELL