Band of Horses: A blend

by Stephanie Molnar in Album Reviews, Opinion Posts

Band of Horses released their second album, Cease to Begin, on October 9, 2007 on the Sub Pop label.  The band is often placed in various genres such as idie-rock, alt-country and southern rock; flavors of each of these genres are heard on this sophomore release. 

Ben Bridwell’s vocals flavor each song, but what is most prominent is the variance of sounds within each song and across the entire album.  The opening track, Is There a Ghost, begins with airy guitar and vocals by Ben Bridwell, but at the 57 second mark an explosion of drums and guitar alters the song.  The listener’s interest is grabbed and held for the remainder of the entire album.  The feel of Is There a Ghost continues into Ode to LRC, but the variance in the bridge sets the listener up for the third track, No One’s Gonna Love You.  No One’s Gonna Love You is the standout vocal track on this album.  The music accompanies Bridwell’s vocals, and follows his highs and lows, reminding this listener of another instance of this music/vocal marriage heard on Eleanor Rigby by the Beatles.  Detlef Schrempf continues the vibe of No One’s Gonna Love You, but a switch occurs when the opening notes to The General Specific, track five, are heard.  The General Specific plays up the southern rock sound in excellent form, it is upbeat and a divergence from previous tracks.  It gives the listener another taste of the band’s skill, switching sounds and genre.  It is quickly followed by the 50 second long, surprise instrumental track, Lamb on the Lam (In the City).  Track 7, Island on the Coast, brings the listener back to the sound reminiscent Is There a Ghost, but follows a more rock sound throughout, guitar and drums playing off vocals.  The next track, Marry Song highlights the band’s ability to transition, mid album, to more of a country feel, but there is more to this country song.  The vocals are backed by a strong bass component and harmonies that absorb the listener and add another layer to the album.  Track 9, Cigarettes Wedding Bands combines many sounds heard on previous tracks melding elements of country and rock.  The album closes with Windows Blues, this track is appropriately named, swaggering notes are bluesy and the sound is light, and as with previous tracks, leaves the listener wanting more Band of Horses.