Band of Horses releases their third full-length LP today entitled Infinite Arms.  I have been a causal listener of the band since about 2007 with their release of Cease to Begin and have kept my eye out for them.  The big boys have apparently gotten their hands on them as they have switched labels from Subpop to Columbia.  However, this album does follow suit with the stuff they have produced in the past - a folkish sound with a modern spice to it.  Overall the album is a little too chill for my taste and I would prefer for them to incorporate a little more energy like they did in their previous album.  Yet for those of you who just want to chill out and listen to some good music, this is for you. 

Infinite Arms edges a little closer to a bohemian, hippie-ish sound more than the previous works.  Where Cease to Begin was a more commercial work; this generally goes the opposite way.   As I was listening to this, I was reminded of of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and even Conor Obert's new music that has come out as of late.  Their vocalist/frontman, Ben Bridwell, has been frequently compared to Neil Young - which may be a reason why he is embracing this sound.

They have released "Compliments" as their first single from this album.  I am not sure if it will ever receive any radio-play as it lacks that produced pop-country luster that has arisen the past few years.  For the most part the tracks are consistently good.  Hands down, "Blue Beard" is my favorite from the first few listens.  It is a throwback to earlier times like that of our parents in the early seventies, as is "Older."  Yet, without singling out any other track, the rest of the album is quite cohesive.  Just a country, chill groove.

I missed the energy from the previous albums.  It seems like there was no "Funeral, "General Specific," or "Marry Song" on Infinite Arms.  "Dilly" and "NW Apartment" are the only ones that come close.  "Compliments" also has the most similar styling of the previous albums.  On the other hand, it seems like this is what they are going for (look at their album cover).  I hate to discredit musical artists because of their choice of a softer direction.  Usually, I dislike these types of works when they come out - and then a year or so later I pick it up when I am in a somber mode and it hits the spot.  I just was expecting something more peppy. 

Band of Horses could have easily picked up a country producer and take on the burden of millions of dollars.  I appreciate their reluctance to continue in the "indie"-commercialism.  Who knows though... Columbia may get them out there regardless -- they have been touring with Pearl Jam and other musical giants.  I would personally hope that they might jump in on tour with Bright Eyes or the Mystic Valley Band - that would be a worthy pairing. 

As a final note, I would probably rate this as a 3.2 out of 5.  They are growing up on me a little too much.  It's worth having though.  Before you buy go ahead and go to their website though.  All of the tracks are posted at http://stream.bandofhorses.com/.  Such a nice band!

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Band of Horses is:

Ben Bridwell
Ryan Monroe
Tyler Ramsey
Bill Reynolds
Creighton Barrett

Infinite Arms Tracklist:

01 Factory
02 Compliments
03 Laredo
04 Blue Beard
05 On My Way Back Home
06 Infinite Arms
07 Dilly
08 Evening Kitchen
09 Older
10 For Annabelle
11 NW Apt.
12 Neighbor

Band of Horses - "Compliments" - Video: