Corleone’s combination of Godspeed You! Black Emperor guitars and a Zero7-esque bass provided a pleasant range of sounds, ranging from bleak to just plain pretty. Bashing percussion and eerie guitar work make for some quirky, yet strangely relaxed songs. Not a million miles away from bands like Radiohead and Coldplay, Sheffield’s Corleone manage a fairly tight set that never gets boring. Singer Tom’s vocals are well placed and the band members in general show that they are a solid Indie four-piece with interesting some bits thrown in.

“We play quiet music” says Adem singer/guitarist Adem Ilhan shyly, “we hope you can hear it”. Within 30 seconds of the first song, Statued, the audience falls silent, totally absorbed by the four men on stage working in harmony to produce some very lovely songs, each of them heart-felt, mystical and incredibly uplifting.

The combination of sincere vocals and lyrics layered on top of an acoustic guitar would be more than enough to satisfy the blackest of hearts, but the addition of a double bass, numerous percussion instruments, backing vocals and various other instruments I cannot even name creates something truly special.

Songs 'Statued' and 'Cut' display the folky, hymn-like qualities of Adem whereas Everything You Need has heads nodding and smiles radiating. The soon-to-be-released single, These Are Your Friends is excellent, with a stunning build up and finale.

Warmth exudes from the stage, captivating the Sheffield onlookers. I could see everyone was listening intently, sure that they were witnessing something wonderful. The cheers and applause grew and grew after every song until the end where, had we been seated; there would have been a standing ovation. Clearly touched by the appreciation the band left the stage followed by the man himself, Adem, a tear in his eye. A truly breathtaking set. With a new CD out on Domino soon and with some incredible praise from the industry, it seems Adem is set to fulfil his every hope.

“We’re Explosions In The Sky from Austin, Texas”. A nod of greeting from the speaking guitarist and the joyful atmosphere created by the lead support disperses to make way for an air of total excitement at the prospect of what would happen over the next hour.

The beauty of Explosions is not only in the music they play (uplifting progressive post-rock in the style of GY!BE and an upbeat Sigur Ros) but also in the formidable delivery. Smith, Hrasky, James and Rayani make their shows feel as if they are aimed straight at you, as if no one else is there in this hot, smoky room in Sheffield. They gently take you by the hand and guide you through the twinkling guitar parts and gentle drumming, whilst whispering the meaning of the earth and sky into your ear. Like floating in some spacey dreamscape you are completed absorbed by the music as it waxes and wanes with astounding grace.

And then, a change. It is hard to detect at first, the other guitar has started playing something incredible, the kick drum is thumping, and you feel your very soul being lifted. Like the rising of a beautiful storm, the music gains pace and weight until crashing percussion signifies the unleashing of a glorious crescendo of perfection. Like a moment of revelation, for a few brief moments instruments are lifted to the air and brought down with each crashing break before the skilled musicians return you to the dreamscape. Once more you float along, following the Texans as they give you the answers to all your questions without saying a word.

The Leadmill is stunned. I am stunned. Explosions In The Sky cap off a truly magical night and everyone left with high spirits, clutching as much memorabilia as they could afford.

It was awe-inspiring to view the music of Explosions being played live. The musicianship undeniable – to make such remarkable songs with only guitars and a few effects is commendable. It is impossible to choose a highlight track from the night, I would simply advise that you obtain their albums, sit back and dream.

John Tovey