Graham Reid | | 1 min read
Originally out of Seattle, Band of Horses have had one of those constantly evolving line-ups that makes for a confusing family tree.
Three-quarters of those on the first album quit before the second album leaving founder Brad Bridwell to not only rebuild the band but relocate to South Carolina where he came from.
Others made guest appearances live and on record but didn't seem to be fulltime band members; solo artist Tyler Ramsey (who had penned the terrific album A Long Dream About Swimming Across the Sea in 2008) joined after their acclaimed Cease to Begin album on SubPop; and now -- with others having come and gone during the recording process -- for their new album Infinite Arms (recorded in North Carolina, out through major label Sony) they are a five-piece (with some add-ons for touring).
It's confusing in a way -- but Band of Horses have been a group worth following. And they have steadily moved from indie.rock to a more mainstream if slightly skweded cenbtral position. They have played huge stadiums and outdoor festivals -- this interview catches them opening for Pearl Jam -- but their sound is equally built for raw acoustic sessions in small clubs and halls.
A little bit alt.folk as much as indie.rock, but with songs boasting great hooks, Band of Horses seem poised to go one step bigger.
Tyler Ramsey (right) spoke from St Louis between soundcheck and taking the stage.
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