Band of Horses - Everything All the Time

After the demise of their band Carissa’s Wierd [sic], Ben Bridwell and Mat Brooke regrouped to form Band of Horses. Their debut LP, Everything All the Time has been welcomed with a wealth of buzz from critics and fans alike. Much of the band’s early press has included comparisons to My Morning Jacket. Like My Morning Jacket, Band of Horses deftly mix elements of roots rock with reverb-drenched vocals and swirling, psychedelic guitar riffs. However, these talented veterans display far too much originality and energy to simply be mentioned in the same breath as another act. The record starts with the aptly titled “The First Song,” a composition which ultimately proves mediocre alongside the album’s remaining tracks. The proceedings immediately pick up steam with the guitar-driven “Wicked Gil,” featuring an uninhibited vocal turn from Bridwell. By tracks 4 and 5, “The Funeral” and “Part One,” Band of Horses seem to have hit their stride; these are arguably the strongest cuts on the record. The former track gradually crescendos to emotional climax as Bridwell sings, “At every occasion, I’m ready for a funeral.” The latter, a quiet folk number with brilliant vocal harmonies, adds contrast as the album’s first true ballad. The album’s second half is uneven as relates to carrying a consistent level of quality from track to track. However, there are some immensely rewarding moments. “Weed Party” is a tuneful, straight-ahead rock song that adds levity to the record. “I Go to the Barn Because I Like The” features vocal interplay between Bridwell and Brooke to great effect, as does closing ballad “St. Augustine.” The harmonies Brooke adds in the lower register mix strikingly well with Bridwell’s higher warble, adding a richness and maturity to the band’s sound. When participants with the track record of Bridwell and Brooke are involved, the stakes for a new act can be unreasonably high. Everything All the Time more than lives up to the challenge and ranks at or near the top of debut albums released this year. [www.bandofhorses.com]