release date: Oct. 9, 2007
format: cd (SPCD 745)
[album rate: 4 / 5] [4,22]
producer: Phil Ek
label: Sub Pop Records - nationality: USA
Track highlights: 1. "Is There a Ghost" (5 / 5) (live on Letterman) - 2. "Ode to LRC" - 3. "No One's Gonna Love You" (5 / 5) (live on Letterman - acoustic live) - 4. "Detlef Schrempf" (4,5 / 5) (live) - 5. "The General Specific" - 7. "Islands on the Coast" - 8. "Marry Song" - 9. "Cigarettes, Wedding Bands" (4,5 / 5) (live)
2nd studio album by Band of Horses following 1½ after the fine Everything All the Time (Mar. 2006) is like that produced by Phil Ek and released on Sub Pop. Since the recording of the debut album the band has changed its line-up more than once, and played as a quintet, a quartet and now reduced to a trio with only remaining member, founder Ben Bridwell. On this he constitutes the band with bassist & guitarist Rob Hampton and drummer Creighton Barrett - both replacing founding members Chris Early and Tim Meinig for the promotion tour of the debut in 2006. Guitarist and keyboardist Joe Arnone only stayed for the 2006 tour, after which the band recruited keyboardist Ryan Monroe as additional musician for an upcoming 2007 tour and for the recording sessions for this album. He was, however, together with guitarist Tyler Ramsey and bassist Bill Reynolds included as new official members after the album release, whci meant the band was soon back as a sextet.
Musically, the album follows close on path laid out with the debut, although, this seems more like a bolder folk rock and country rock release thanks to more focus on electric guitars. The album still leaves room for a varied collection of songs, some are laidback and country-like, others harsh electric folk rock and the first track is an indie pop-shaped grower, but the overall sensation of a strong coherent whole is further accentuated. The album consists of ten tracks - and here comes the least favourable thing about this new album: it only upholds a total running time at 34:50 minutes!
After an acclaimed and strong debut they actually do even better. It's more than an ordinary artistic achievement to make something that both bonds so nicely with the preceeding release and yet improve their sound, which again proves how Ben Bridwell as only remaning member is the band's leader and driving force.
Cease to Begin is their best and it's highly recommended.
