Band of Horses

December 28, 2007

The Earl

By Kim Burdges

On December 28, Band of Horses played the first of four sold out shows at The Earl on a stage awash in blue, recalling their own “Window Blues” lyrics: “Erase the facts/ the sh*t was flyin’ outta the window/ I painted blue/ I paint the whole room.” The constant haunting hue was the perfect atmosphere for a group known for their evocative lyrics and roiling guitar. Opening with “Is There A Ghost,” the first track off their new album Cease to Begin, lead singer Ben Bridwell filled the small venue with his unique powerful reverberating voice as well as captured the audience’s swelling energy in time with the crescendo of the opening song.

Although Band of Horses’ musical sound is unquestionably rock, they have matured into a group with layers more complex then one genre. With the departure of founding guitarist Mat Brooke, who now leads Grand Archives, as well as change of living location to South Carolina, Band of Horses sound more rooted and genuine and their sound more soulful and southern. They are breaking their previous mold of being just Seattle Indie- Rockers, and forging the path for the next generation of Southern Rockers. Even their previous hits from Everything All the Time like “The Great Salt Lake,” “Monsters,” and “The Funeral” seemed to have a little bit more ‘twang’ when performed live. However more of their up-tempo tunes as “The General Specific” and “Islands on the Coast” could be classified as more pop jams with a solid classic rock edge, especially when Bridwell plays along on a tambourine with an axe.

Band of Horses showcases a range of moods and tones, but their consistent fan base and established sound is thanks to the honesty in Bridwell’s voice and lyrics. Even simple lyrics such as “The world is such a wonderful place” from “Ode to LRC” or “Never die always be around and around and around” from “Marry Song” might sound on the surface trite, but Bridwell performs them with nothing but sincere candor and a layer of pain. It is his ability to connect on such a personal level with his fans through cunning lyrics and musicianship that will help this authentic band continue to grow with national and international music lovers.

Band of Horses will embark on a national tour January 20 starting in Charleston, South Carolina and ending February 12 in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. They will then head over to Europe for a spring tour throughout the continent.

For more information about Band of Horses and their upcoming shows visit their website.