Record Reviews: Band of Horses

Band of Horses - Infinite Arms 2.5/5

Official Website

Infinite Arms finds Ben Bridwell and company on a slow journey through Americana, on their third album and first release since making the jump from Sub Pop to Columbia records. That leap seems pretty small as the boys fail to escape the comparison's of fellow indie rockers My Morning Jacket, and stake out their own territory.

The string-drenched "Factory" is charming, easily drawing similarities to Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips. "Factory" sets the tone and themes of the record. Mid-tempo songs full of self-reflection, and soul searching, that lack genuine emotion. The first single Laredo is crunchy, blues, bar rock, that's altogether flat and forgettable.

The energetic bouncing keys of "Dilly" feel out of place in a swamp of melancholy, atmospheric rock. "NW Apt." is a single in waiting and the only song to really bring true energy to an otherwise sleepy album. The middle of the album falls into a rinse, wash, repeat format. An opening riff that perks up the ears, before looping it over and over, rocking you gently back into your sleepy, star gazing state. If you want atmosphere, the record has it's charm, particularly for a good road trip.

Between Bredwill's Neil Young-inspired vocals, the over production, and cluttered instrumentals, there's a feeling Infinite Arms was all too focused on the transition from indie to major label and the need for a more immediate presence. Instead, they lack just that... presence.

Single Selections: Corinne Bailey Rae

Corinne Bailey Rae - Paris Nights/New York Mornings 4/5

iTunes

Arguably Rae's most commercial track off The Sea, "Paris Nights" is a welcome reminder of why we fell in love with Rae. A healthy dose of sass, velvety-smooth vocals, a little bossa-soul and hooky guitars, make up this pop gem. Refreshing and enjoyable it's a worthy summer single.


Starshell - Superluva 3/5

Myspace

The songwriter behind Kanye's "Love Lockdown," and first female artist signed to Mary J. Blige's imprint, Starshell has high expectations. Her lead off single from her as-yet-titled debut "Superluva" is a sure fire pop hit. All the elements of a summer smash, easy to digest, and just the right amount of mischief to keep you intrigued. The club favourite, doesn't command heads to turn but it does command your hips to move.

Band of Horses - Factory 3.5/5

Official Website

Offering a sleepy number for download on their website. It's swelling strings, and melancholy mood, Band of Horses sing lines like "I was thinking it over by the snack machine/I thought about you and a candy bar," its hard not to hear your own little heart strings swell.

Kelly Rowland - Commander 3.5/5

Leaked

Her lead-off single, finds Rowland collaborating with DJ/producer David Guetta, with whom she scored a hit in 2009 on "When Love Takes Over." This dance/electronica track is a declaration of Rowland's new role as the modern day Donna Summers. It works for and against her, as the song is a cliche and doesn't compare to her previous single with Guetta but the chorus' "Right now I command you to dance," shows Rowland brass and general power to move your ass to the nearest dancefloor.

3OH!3 feat. Ke$ha - My First Kiss 2/5

iTunes

This foot stomping collaboration between two of pop's current "it" kids, 3OH!3 and Ke$ha finds itself as a rather forgetful summer single, to be forgotten five minutes later. A little sass on Ke$ha's part and the boys chant like singing, fail to hit the mark.