Band of Horses "Mirage Rock"

If you herd that a Band of Horses make music the expectations might not be too high. However, not only can they play their instruments, but they bring a talent of musical presdigitation, or Mirage Rock to the table. You visualize classic artists, and not as well known artists through the headphones. “Knock Knock.” Don’t worry, there’s no sophomoric joke to follow. Is Manchester Orchestra present? I’m not the only one who hasn’t grasped “How To Live,” or maybe I have, because we all tend to live our lives differently. There may not be much to learn, but “Guess what?/You're gettin' old/Still gotta grow up.” It’s what I have been told.            “The Slow Cruel Hands of Time” not only possess the Benjamin Button effect, but also sounds like a premature convocation of  little eagles. While they may attempt at becoming “A Little Biblical” they sound “a little bit tragic/maybe fantastic.” Almost as if they caught not only his disease, but the spunk Ben Lee had revealed in one fun record. Then, we listen to the sparse ruminations of a “Shut-In Tourist” afraid to venture outside into the “Dumpster World.” If people work together and clean up this mess we have created (almost) “Everything’s Gonna Be Undone.” Except for mentioning Neil Young, that’s here to stay.                          The next song may cause a “Feud” because it sounds atmospheric while moving at a steady pace; there is energy, yet an added sense of space. I’ll skip to the final song which reminds me of The Nightwatchman in delivery and sound; at least in the beginning, before his resolve wears down, and he pitifully asks “you can't think that I'd just slowly fade away/You can put me on the sidewalk with a suitcase.” Knock Knock, The Slow Cruel Hands of Time, A Little Biblical, Dumpster World, Feud, Long Vows, and Heartbreak on the 101.