Band of Horses - Infinite Arms Review

Posted by Lenny Vowels on 05.19.2010

The South Carolina-based indie band has released their third album in four years. Does Infinite Arms stand up to their last two collective works?

Even though Band of Horses has been around for about six years now, it was only maybe six months ago that I even discovered who they were. Their sound isn't really anything out of the ordinary. It's your standard folk rock blended with some alt-country blues. What really brings them to the table, I believe, is their emotion. From older songs like “The Funeral” to “Cigarettes, Wedding Bands,” their passion has always managed to bring the goods, and Infinite Arms is no different.



Track Listing
1."Factory"
2."Compliments"
3."Laredo"
4."Blue Beard"
5."On My Way Back Home"
6."Infinite Arms"
7."Dilly"
8."Evening Kitchen"
9."Older"
10."For Annabelle"
11."NW Apt."
12."Neighbor"

With their previous album Cease to Begin cementing their status as indie giants, BoH seems determined to maintain a bigger mainstream following with the new record, and it certainly doesn't disappoint. Much like their previous work, Infinite Arms arrives following production under the band and their full-time producer, Phil Ek. Ek, who has been producing since the early 90s for music giants like Mudhoney, has done a hell of a job at making sure the Band retain a sense of Southern hospitality and grace in their music, much like a modern day Allman Brothers Band. Now, after finishing up their American tour opening for Pearl Jam, they're set to play the now newly-released record on an international scale.

The album opens with the absolutely amazing “Factory.” I won't lie when I say that I fell in love with this song from the moment I heard it. It's such a great song to use to just tilt your head back and let the sound carry you away. It's melodic, serene, and impactful all at once. The more up-tempo “Compliments” follows, and it makes for a great song to listen to on the drive into work. It's really no wonder that it's the first single from the album.



“Laredo” is another single-worthy track. It's very radio-friendly and the subject matter concerns a breakup, so it should be an easy winner. “Blue Beard” is another interesting song, starting off almost hymn-like before settling into the Band's usual standard of Eagles-like guitar driven harmony. “On My Way Back Home” is another favorite, even though it's another of many pretty acoustic ballads from the band. The title track, “Infinite Arms,” is no different. This one sets something of a different mood then the previous song, as I could imagine hearing this one while looking out into a big open field and it would set the majestic mood just fine.

The atmosphere changes, for better or worse, with “Dilly.” With a much more lighthearted and pop-oriented sound, this song could probably provide another single for radio. “Evening Kitchen” is one that didn't particularly impress me, unfortunately. As the album suggests, I have no issue with somber, but this one seems to just not do it for me, for whatever reason. At least it picks back up with a more outspoken Southern twang in “Older.”



“For Annabelle” really couldn't have more of a “Tuesday's Gone” feel to it if it tried. Anyone who's been looking for another Southern rock sequel to one of the most well-known of all time should look no further. “NW Apt” is definitely a rarity for the record, as it actually opens with a steady drum beat, backed by some awesome vocal harmonizing that set the perfect tone for a road trip. The greatness finally comes to a close with “Neighbor,” but it really isn't all that thrilling since the rest of the album seems like it prepped for it. Sadly, the ending is not so much epic as it is predictable.

Recommended tracks: “Factory,” “On My Way Back Home,” “NW Apt.”

The 411: There's been a lot of mention of a more radio-accessible sound on this album by yours truly, so it's obvious they're obviously trying to get more notice outside of being local. Is the album a lot more new-listener friendly than their previous albums? Perhaps. Does that make it any less amazing? Not at all. It's a great record from a great set of musicians who are sticking to what they know and doing an outstanding job of it at the same time. If you've heard Band of Horses before and are a fan, you're obviously going to pick up this record. If you've never heard them before and don't mind having a little bit of laid back folk rock take you away, then this might just be the album for you.

Final Score:  8.5   [ Very Good ]