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Band Of Horses' Infinite Arms Is Irresistibly Constructed

An infinite amount of listening pleasure from Band Of Horses

Band of Horses

Infinite Arms

Released on May 18, 2010

For the past six years, Ben Bridwell’s Band Of Horses has pioneered the indie rock/ alt country scene with two amazing albums and powerful live performances. Everything All the Time, the bands first release was met with great excitement, a refreshing sound, and catchy tunes like “The Funeral”.  With their sophomore record, Cease To Begin, Band of Horses raised the bar even higher with a much more solid sound and incredibly well crafted tracks like “Is There A Ghost” and “No One’s Gonna Love You”.  With such a firm foundation set underneath Bridwell’s Horses, they either had a far way to fall or a great distance to leap.  Luckily for us, they chose the latter.

Infinite Arms is without a doubt the most well rounded and carefully crafted album from the band to date.  Somehow they have finally captured the charisma and sheer emotion that makes their live performances so memorable within an album, something I feel the first two albums fell somewhat short of.  Infinite Arms kicks off with “Factory”, a slower ballad that sets the tone for what follows.  “Factory” is Band Of Horses at it’s finest.  With deeply reflective lyrics accompanied by swelling strings and guitar lines it’s difficult to not get lost in a contemplative state.

“Compliments”, the second track on the album, meets what somewhat feels like a new chapter in the bands growth.  Featuring gritty guitars seamed effortlessly with Bridwell’s signature vocal tone, this is by far the most Rock n’ Roll I’ve heard from Band Of Horses.  And there’s plenty more where that came from.  Bridwell’s vocal melodies have finally realized their full anthemic potential on tracks like “Laredo” “Dilly” and “NW Apt” which feature the former stated heavy drive.  With strong catchy hooks and Ben’s infectious delivery, you can’t help but sing a long.

And for those of you longing for the laidback Band Of Horses of past, fear not!  Tracks like “Blue Beard”, “Evening Kitchen” and “For Annabelle” feature the most revealing and honest moments in a Band Of Horses’ album I’ve ever heard. Bridwell’s lyrical content has matured significantly over the past three years and so has the instrumentation.  Tight vocal harmonies, tasteful guitar lines, and even the use of a steel guitar has allowed the music to perfectly convey the story within the song.

Without a doubt, the highest point on Infinite Arms is the final track “Neighbor”.  This has to be Band Of Horses’ most perfectly executed song yet.  Lyrically, it may be the most powerful song I’ve ever heard.  Bridwell solemnly delivers a hopeful “what if” track, reflecting on how different the world we live in could be (when the law acts as though/ there is nothing to show/ there is compassion and depth in the neighbor).  “Neighbor” softly moves forward through an accompanied organ and suddenly erupts into a pensively driven anthem.  There’s no doubt in my mind that this song puts Band Of Horses on the map as a band with something to say.

Whether it’s a Summery sing-a-long or a reflective ballad you’re seeking, within Infinite Arms there are plenty of both.  Infinite Arms will in no way leave the listener disappointed.  It is the most dynamically aware and diverse album the band has put together to date.  I honestly think, at least in my book, it’s going to be hard for any other band to top this album in 2010.  Which begs the question, how high will the Horses have to jump next go round?

Posted by Shelby Pollard on May 18, 2010 @ 9:45 am