Album Review

Band of Horses – The Funeral

• 14th May 2007

I loved this very sincere and uncomplicated, two track EP, I couldn’t stop listening to it, and only wished it had been longer.

‘The Funeral’, which was written by ‘Band of Horses’ is a small epic, which begins slowly, composed of echoing vocals and an arpegeated guitar loop – the musical theme – cropping up in quieter moments throughout the piece, between rockier, pacier movements. This is not a grabbing song, but is, in my opinion beautifully written and passionately executed. I believe there to be some sections of the arrangement, which need some more attention from the band, however, they don’t detract from the total experience.

‘The End’s Not Near’, is thoughtful and succinct. The equally effected vocals, with a touch of Penny Farrell, make this pleasing to listen to. It is similar to the slower periods in ‘The Funeral’, but vocally led in comparison. The lyrics are clever and always sung in key, and the band play with ease and never, it seems, have any compulsion to ‘show off’

I would recommend the band to anyone, especially those who grew up listening to Alice in Chains, Janes Addiction, etc… Like me.