Music reviews. CD reviews. Critically hip!

As if appearing from nowhere, Band of Horses seems to be everywhere these days.  In the last few months they have graced the cover of SPIN magazine and been labeled Rolling Stones’ “hot band” of 2007. A track off their latest album Cease to Begin was even an iTunes/Starbucks song of the day (it was Oct. 9, for those wondering).  Given their recent flurry of popular exposure, its surprising to learn the indie alt-rock band has been around since 2004, but with Cease they are poised to garner even more critical praise.

Simply put, Cease to Begin sounds beautiful. The melodies are lush and layered behind jangly guitars creating southern rock with a tinge of country (perhaps most pronounced on sparse ballad Marry Song) that is both smooth and rootsy. Singer Ben Bridwell’s vocals are crisp and clear, just as comfortable over bare reverb-swathed  keyboard and minimalist drums as over more complex musical arrangements.

While each song has it’s own distinct appeal, Detlef Schrempf has to be the loveliest one on the album. Bridwell’s expressive and sometimes twang-y voice melts easily with the lilting accompaniment making on of the year’s prettiest ballads, hands down. Then there’s Islands On the Coast, which features insistent guitars reminiscent of that other Sub Pop band The Shins circa-Chutes Too Narrow (imagine a sped up version of the guitars after the slow-intro to Kissing the Lipless).

With only nine songs (and one instrumental interlude) Band of Horses creates a record that is not easy listening so much as easy to listen to. The lyrics are relatable without being obvious, and they’re simplicity only makes it that much easier for the listener to focus on the music. Sure it’s alt-rock with heavy country leanings, but it’s an album even haters of country can appreciate, something I readily attest to. Get Cease to Begin, hit play and enjoy 35 minutes of just plain good music.