Band of Horses (22/ July, The Gov.)

The air at the Governor Hindmarsh was somewhat subdued, as the crowd began to assemble on a cold Thursday night for the first Adelaide performance by Seattle legends, Band of Horses. A good turnout considering that other folk stars, Mumford and Sons, were playing over at the Thebby. Kicking off the night Aussie band Mike Noga and the Gentleman of Fortune had a pretty good crack at bluegrass country-esque tunes to a quiet and waiting audience, garnering appreciation, despite the lack of knee slapping and heel stomping.

I may be a little bit biased reviewing a show by Band of Horses as for me this is like a 12 year old yankie getting tickets to the Hannah Montana shebang. Regardless, these guys a horribly good at making quality rock music with quite a big country twang. (Calling them country however does little to describe the nature of their work, which reaches far beyond the normal country rock boundaries both musically and emotionally). The crowd was visibly affected by the presence of the band and eager for the notorious singalongs that go hand in hand with Band of Horses musical anthems.

It seemed as though a quiet epiphany was building and about to unfold itself through the wonders of Band of Horses, who are exquisitely able to traverse heavy and painful emotions in bittersweet means. For those that haven’t heard the evoking musical tales from Band of Horses they describe it best as ‘at times raggedly epic and delicately pensive... painted gorgeously in fragile highs and lows’. Ben Birdwell’s voice was sweepingly remarkable, introducing the set with LRC. I think although the 5 piece have toured all over the world, they make quite a shy bunch, possibly made worse in intimate settings? I am a huge fan of stage banter and I have to say I was disappointed in this area. However, nothing compares to their amazing discography, and it was great to see each album getting a look in. New pieces from Infinite Arms received just as much enthusiasm from the crowd as other, better known tracks from Cease to Begin and Everything All The Time.

The bearded bunch led us through numerous favourites, also throwing in a cover (Can’s hardly wait – the Replacements) and Ryan Monroe providing the vocals for one track. Despite the constant guitar and key changes, no techs seemed to notice the quiet vocals, which were a bit irritating, considering their unique and beautiful quality. Another bummer in my opinion was that the set finale was a much more dazzling finish than the encore. How can you compete with No Ones Gonna Love You More and Funeral? And where was Monsters? Ah the sadness at the exclusion of such an encore worthy song. As the band hurried away from the show I was left wondering really what happened - they were here, played and ran. Although the end was not as strong for such an amazing show, Band of Horses still rock and I will love them forever!

Just wondering? Why did Ben bring a carrot on stage with him, beside his red wine, and leave the stage with it? Oh well!

xx