Band of Horses

Band of Horses: A Seattle Sound That's Stood the Test of Time

Band of Horses, hailing from the vibrant music scene of Seattle, Washington, emerged in 2004. Spearheaded by the soulful songwriting of Ben Bridwell, the band has weathered numerous lineup changes, but Bridwell's presence remains a constant, anchoring their signature sound.

The current lineup features a solid core of veterans: Creighton Barrett on drums, a powerhouse behind the kit, and Ryan Monroe, who brings versatility to the mix with keyboards, guitar, and backing vocals. Rounding out the band are Matt Gentling on bass and backing vocals, and Brett Nash, adding another layer of guitar and harmonies.

For a decade, the band enjoyed a remarkably stable lineup with guitarist Tyler Ramsey and bassist Bill Reynolds, who left in 2017 after a long and successful period together. Their contributions are woven into the fabric of the band's early albums, including the critically acclaimed Cease to Begin (2007).

Throughout their career, Band of Horses has released six studio albums, each offering a distinct sonic tapestry: Everything All the Time (2006), Cease to Begin, Infinite Arms (2010), Mirage Rock (2012), Why Are You OK (2016), and Things Are Great (2022). Infinite Arms earned the band a Grammy nomination in 2011, further solidifying their place in the rock landscape.

The Early Days:

Band of Horses, originally known simply as "Horses," formed in 2004 after the breakup of Bridwell's previous band, Carissa's Wierd. The original lineup included Chris Early on bass, Tim Meinig on drums, and Mat Brooke, another Carissa's Wierd alum, on guitar and vocals.

Their early gigs caught the attention of Sub Pop Records after opening for Iron & Wine in Seattle. This led to the release of their Tour EP in 2005, generating buzz among fans and industry insiders alike.

Their debut album, Everything All the Time, recorded with producer Phil Ek in 2005, marked their official entry into the music scene. The album showcased the band's raw energy and distinctive blend of Americana and indie rock, and was released by Sub Pop in March 2006.

The band's journey since then has been a compelling mix of lineup changes, critical acclaim, and enduring musicality. Band of Horses remains a vital force in the world of rock, leaving an indelible mark on the Seattle sound and beyond.