Indie Rock’s stalwart “Band of Horses” is back with what may be their choicest effort yet. “Why Are You O.K.,” their fifth studio album, offers an exceptional collection of melodic tracks sure to boost an already strong fan-following.
The new release opens with the pensive and cinematic “Dull Times / The Moon.” Three and a half minutes in, it powerhouses with an exultant and compelling electric guitar jam. On all 12 tracks, frontman Ben Bridwell’s lead vocals are exemplary while the band’s atmospheric harmonies are stellar.
The sweetly sung “Solemn Oath” is also engaging, succeeding via its well-crafted arrangement and the band’s knack for steadily building on its own momentum.
About Band of Horses
Band of Horses originally formed in Seattle in 2004, releasing their first full-length album “Everything All the Time” on Sub Pop Records two years later. Paste magazine voted their second album “Cease to Begin” the ninth best album of 2007.
The band toured North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan to promote their third CD “Infinite Arms” in 2010, opening for Snow Patrol in June and for Pearl Jam while touring the midwest. They performed at a heap of music fests that year, including Sasquatch, Splendour in the Grass, Leeds, ACL and SXSW.
“Infinite Arms” debuted at number 7 on the Billboard 200 and received a Grammy nomination in 2011; “Mirage Rock” was released on Columbia Records in 2012.
This year’s release debuted at #19 on Billboard’s Alternative chart.
Band of Horses are: Tyler Ramsey, guitar and vocals; Bill Reynolds, bass; Ryan Monroe, keyboards; Creighton Barrett, drums, and Ben Bridwell, guitar, bass guitar and vocals. Bridwell, married with four children, founded Brown Records and is a native of South Carolina. “Why Are You O.K.” – a name inspired by one of his four daughters – was produced by Portland’s Jason Lytle (Granddaddy) and Rick Rubin (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Weezer, Avett Brothers, Jake Bugg).
On the new album Bridwell doesn’t seem to lack for songwriting material with tracks like the reflective “Hag,” the high-spirited “Casual Party” and his pensive love song “Lying Under Oak.” “Throw My Mess” is a fun romp with a great guitar hook while “Whatever, Wherever” soothes modern-day cares away.
PRP currently has Band of Horses’ “Casual Party” and “Found it in a Drawer” on our playlist.
Found it in a Drawer
Also begging to be heard is the laid-back warmth of “Country Teen,” another album standout.
Have a listen:
Country Teen
Catch them on tour
Currently on tour to promote the new album, Band of Horses is on a roll. We wish them all the best, and hope to catch a live show soon. They play McMenamin’s Edgefield Friday, August 19, and at Century Center in Bend August 22.
You can find music by Band of Horses on Amazon and iTunes. Check for upcoming tour dates here.
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