They look like extras from My Name Is Earl, but Band Of Horses belong firmly in the long line of great Americana bands, stretching back to Buffalo Springfield through to My Morning Jacket. Led by frontman and band leader Ben Bridwell, the gig at the O2 Academy was a tale of two albums. Opening the first half with tracks from the new, self funded album, Infinite Arms, songs Compliment and Older were standouts.
The second half saw the arguably more crowd friendly songs from the brilliant second album, Cease To Begin, given an airing. Highlights here being Is There A Ghost and No One’s Gonna Love You both of which get the crowd going.
The group is super tight and the sound crystal clear which only adds to the delight of hearing them cover Neil Young’s immortal song Powderfinger. Band Of Horses do justice to both and deserve to held in such high esteem.
Jez Collins
Area Culture Guide 