We've been hearing negative chatter about the new Band of Horses. Look, Band of Horses is not going to change your life. If they do, well, then you are probably in Band of Horses. Their new album, Infinite Arms, is not incredibly dynamic or filled with breathtaking vistas. It's like a good day in springtime, daffodils and no breeze. There are sweeping strings, like they've already planned for that concert hall performance with a full backing orchestra. It's been a huge surprise to us how much we've taken to these songs, too, but they're incredibly reliable, sturdy, a hearty and solid B+/A- work. This week's New York magazine interviews regular folks on their feelings about a handful of new releases, Infinite Arms included. Reihan the "politics-and-economics journalist" says, "I can imagine these songs being played in high-end retail stores, or while preparing and eating steamed vegetables." He means this as a derision—he gives the record a rating of "5". Maybe we're suckers for healthy broccoli and high class flannel, but we're pretty sure these are the finer things in life.
Stream: Band of Horses, Infinite Arms