Band Of Horses – Cease To Begin

Cease to Begin marks a confident and evocative second outing from Band of Horses. Building upon the tender-hearted indie foundation of their debut, the band channels a warmer, more Southern-inflected resonance—reverb-laden guitars and Ben Bridwell’s earnest vocals weave together to create an atmosphere that feels like autumn in a small town. The album is introspective without being somber, striking a graceful balance between textural nuance and melodic grace, all while allowing the band's evolving identity to bloom with subtlety and charm.

With standout tracks like “Is There a Ghost” and “Window Blues,” the album is rich with finely crafted moments—lending a cozy yet expansive feel. It never overwhelms, but envelops you in a quiet beauty: songs float by on chiming strings and gentle rhythms, leaving you with the warmth of heartfelt songwriting and a lingering sense of spacious calm.

Reviews

“Cease to Begin is expertly made—the indie-rock equivalent of a box of gourmet truffles or a designer wool sweater to take the edge off a frigid day.” – Rolling Stone

“Cease To Begin is the second album by this trio from the foothills of the Appalachian mountains and, with angel-voiced lead singer Ben Bridwell at the fore, it’s a delightfully soothing record.” – NME

“It leaves one pondering why more bands don’t move to the countryside, if it produces such delicious melancholy.” – The Guardian

“Each sound lingers, and each stretched-out moment is welcome.” – Spin

“An album that is deceptively risky in its textured composition and laid-bare emotions. And those subtle risks pay off in a big way, making for one of the great rock records of 2007.” – PopMatters