Photo: wenn.com
Band of Horses have built up a fan base of avid supporters over the years, with a reputation for making beautiful earth warming music, these Grammy nominated American boys definitely have a certain status to uphold.
Their fourth studio album Mirage Rock was released in September 2012, which has inevitably proved a hard task for the band following up the groundbreaking album Infinite Arms.
Last night the band took to the stage playing the very grand Hammersmith Apollo, to an almighty frenzy of excitable fans.
It’s nice to see British boys Goldheart Assembly supporting tonight, who fit the bill just nicely. Complimenting the headliners they follow similar themes of experimentation and sweet melodies, where they still manage to sneak in an element of catchy pop to keep you on your toes.
As the crowd begins to anticipate Band of Horses arrival, the stage is lit up with bright lights only shining on their instruments. Creating a relaxed ambience before the band walk on stage to be greeted by thunderous applause.
The opening songs bring visions of beauty, with a moving backdrop projecting different images of the world’s landscapes and bringing them to life. ‘Factory’ is played early on in the set, giving a outlook into the bands life on the road and probing philosophical thoughts about existence. It’s deep intense stuff. The new material actually proves to go down extremely well, where it adds a heavier edge to some of the more laidback tracks in the set.
The bands stage presence tonight is just sheer perfection. They know how to do American cool just so effortlessly, so much so that they even make double denim look good. In doing so ‘Knock Knock’ takes up the tempo with a radio friendly sing-a-long that provides all the necessary hooks and indie beats to keep any music lover happy. Kings of Leon should be shuddering in their pointy cowboy boots, as these guys may just be America’s best export in a very long time.
Mellowing out to some inspirational lyrics in ‘Dumpster World’, the track shows lead singer Ben Bridwell’s sensitive side. Singing about poverty and suffering the band highlight the world’s problems without sounding preachy, but instead proving they have something worthwhile to say. ‘Heartbreak On The 101’ has the same effect on the audience. Mesmerized by the vocal ability and stage presence from the frontman pouring his heart out to thousands, there’s rarely a moment when the song doesn’t feel completely personal.
‘Is There A Ghost’ generates shivers down the spines on everyone’s back, a catchy song with beautifully brilliant spirit. Still a memorable chorus, yet with an alternative twist to keep it from becoming predictable and mundane. The set of songs chosen is simply outstanding, with both mellow and upbeat tracks to keep the audience entertained throughout.
There’s no doubt that Band of Horses deserve all the acclaim they can get and to live up to such wild expectations is very special indeed. This band can be described as nothing less than sensationally outstanding, with one of the best live shows around today.
Photos: Band Of Horses perform at Hammersmith Apollo, 20 November 2012
