In this instance, the exhaustive liner notes detailing the creative process for Band of Horses' fifth album make the listening experience a bit of a let-down.
That said, Why Are You OK is still a real slow burner.
Leader Ben Bridwell's distinctive delivery remains to the fore and, in some instances, perhaps a bit much so.
It's not that his listless drawl isn't evocative, it's just that on previous outings the cunning multi-instrumentalists propping him up helped balance out the dreamy simplicity.
There are moments of melodic brilliance but just not the same cohesive focus that made Infinite Arms such a stunner.
• Band of Horses. Why Are You OK. Universal.
• Three stars (out of five)
Single download: Casual Party
For those who like: Grandaddy, Bon Iver, The Shins
- Mark Orton
