Search - Band of Horses :: Infinite Arms

Polished and consistent in comparison to their earlier recor

Sam M. Tannenbaum | Texas | 05/26/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I turned onto Band of Horses (BOH) after discovering Carrisa's Wierd (a now-defunct band that included BOH frontman Ben Bridwell and former BOH member Mat Brooke). Their first record, 'Everything All the Time', was ridiculously addictive, and strong enough to make the second (''Cease to Begin') a mandatory buy. The main difference between those first two records was the confidence and maturity in songwriting.



For better or worse, the differences between that second album and this new one, their major-label debut, are pretty similar. Just as 'Cease' displayed greater confidence and cohesion in songwriting, this record finds the band even more 'settled in' to their sound and scope. How much one enjoys this album will mostly just come down to whether they enjoy the band's chosen direction. 'Everything' suggested that BOH could evolve into either a shoegazer band or a dreamrock outfit, and 'Infinite Arms' confirms that they are the latter, with a bit of alt-country twang.



This isn't a bad thing. I was initially somewhat amused by some reviewers' comparisons between this album and 70s ballad-pop, but on further consideration, I guess I can see it- it's just that this naturally seems more relevant, but these ARE essentially alt-country-dreamrock ballads. Those familiar with BOH's earlier work will appreciate the statement that this is 'St. Augustine'-BOH and not 'Funeral'-BOH, and should use that distinction when deciding whether to purchase 'Infinite Arms'.



There are some real high points on this record, notably 'On My Way Back Home' and the title track, which are both slow and deliberate, grand and sweeping.



I listened to this straight through about half-a-dozen times, and am pleased and impressed. It's a great record, but it IS very laid back, and there just aren't any rock-song standouts to look forward to. BOH fans won't be disappointed as long as they don't go in looking for a 'Funeral'/'Ghost'-type anthemic track to punctuate the experience. This works as an experience more than as a collection of songs, and in that, it succeeds."

Seems to be missing the "edge"

TheRobert | Portland, Oregon | 05/19/2010

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Although I thought their first two albums were lush and beautiful, they also had a certain edge to them that counterbalanced the whole thing. On this one, the "edge" seems to be missing. I may learn to love it over time, but it just doesn't strike me like the first two did. But it's certainly still better than a lot of the crap out there."

Not so great...agree with others

E. Cooley | Colorado | 07/06/2010

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I wanted to really like this also (like everyone else who is a fan of the Band). But, after about 5 listens over 1 week, I never had any of the songs really "catch" on and latch into my brain. These sound like (dare I say) boring songs. Hopefully they will come back with things that are more deep and not so popish and plain. They are a great band, and I will try to get more into this and see if I change this review. Other than that, I am not a fan of this album."