Review
'Cease to Begin' by Band of Horses is a testament to resilience and reinvention. After a significant lineup change, lead vocalist Ben Bridwell steered the band into new territory, crafting an album that feels like a warm, sepia-toned photograph of the American South. Recorded in Asheville, North Carolina, the album's sound is as rich and layered as the Blue Ridge Mountains that surrounded the studio.
The album's standout tracks are like perfectly composed snapshots, each capturing a distinct mood. 'Is There a Ghost' shimmers like sunlight through trees, while 'No One's Gonna Love You' is a tender portrait that's touched the hearts of many, inspiring covers from diverse artists. 'Detlef Schrempf' and 'The General Specific' further showcase the band's knack for painting vivid musical pictures that linger in the mind's eye.
This sophomore effort didn't just avoid the dreaded slump - it soared. Peaking at number 35 on the US Billboard 200, 'Cease to Begin' found its way onto numerous 'Best of 2007' lists. The album's success is like a well-exposed photograph, balancing the light of critical acclaim with the shadows of commercial achievement, creating a compelling image of a band hitting its stride. - Cleo
