Infinite Arms is the Seattle quintet's first release since their 2007 breakthrough Cease to Begin. Blending the lush and charming vocals of country music with the grandiose qualities of arena rock, Band of Horses succeed in further solidifying their stadium-ready sound that can appeal to almost everyone. The timbre and pitch of Ben Bridwell's vocals remain strikingly similar to those of My Morning Jacket's Jim James. But where MMJ choose to get down and dirty with twangy guitars, Band of Horses opt for slow-burning, epic arrangements that let all the instruments carefully build upon each other.
The mid-tempo anthems and saccharine harmonies get a little tiring after 12 tracks. But if you're already a fan of Band of Horses or you enjoy lavish, vocal-based music, Infinite Arms will prove to be another gratifying entry in the group's growing catalog. With a slot opening for Pearl Jam this spring, the band has the opportunity to perform their arena-ready material in actual stadiums and amphitheaters. It should be a great fit.
7/10
- Jonathan Elbaz
