By Alex Brenner
It’s been an amazing three years for Band of Horses. Since the release of their second album, Cease to Begin, they have been playing sold out shows and festivals across the land. All their hard work has paid off as can be heard on their highly anticipated album Infinite Arms. As far as I can tell this is the first record they’ve made with a solid line up and once again at the helm is longtime producer Phil Ek. Countless reviews have likened the band to My Morning Jacket, The Shins and so on but honestly what sets Band of Horses apart is their trademark southern twang. In fact, I find them to be even more southern than Athen’s own Drive By Truckers. I will tell you this record does not disappoint. Everything that charmed you from “Funeral” to “Marry Song” (best song ever) have been perfected on Infinite Arms.
All in all this album is good but not great yet. Still, it’s really growing on me. There is not really a weak song on here and it gets even better as you get towards the end, kind of like Cease to Begin. I’m sure some fans were worried about the major label move, but if you look at bands such as Lucero or the Avett Brothers who have taken that dive, it’s only made them better. This is definitely one of the better releases we’ve seen so far this year, even if it is more of the same. I hate when critics yell at a band for making the same record. Did the Ramones not make the same record for 20 years? Were they still great? With more listens I’m sure this could sneak into my top 10 list. We’ll see…..
Rating: AAA
