Concert Review: Band of Horses @ Carnegie Hall, June 11th, 2009

How did we get to Carnegie Hall on Thursday evening?  Well, it was a combination of "practice....practice...practice" ....and the D-train. Ha.  All stupid (awesome) puns aside, last night Jenna and I traveled uptown for a performance by Band of Horses at a little place known as Carnegie Hall.  As we took our seats in the obstructed view sections on the third "dress circle" tier, it was obvious we were in for quite a treat. 

The opening act,  Arbouretum [myspace], was reminiscent of Simon and Garfunkel in their softer moments.  This band, hailing from Baltimore Maryland, was a great match for BOH.  Their mountain-ish and melodic sound, along with the deep and throaty voice of lead singer David Heumann delighted the crowd for a tight set.  Once they were done, though, the whole hall was ready for BOH to take the stage.

Band of Horses took the stage around 9:15 and positioned themselves on metal chairs, which were on top of oriental rugs.  It was so appropriate.  They opened up with "Part One" and "Marry Song."  The tempo of "Weed Party" was quickened while "Wicked Gil" was slowed down considerably. "The Funeral" turned into an extended jam session. They conquered Gram Parsons' "A Song For You" and played two new songs, one by Tyler Ramsey and another that referenced "compliments down there."  

The band left the stage, momentarily, and then came back for an encore of "Ode to LRC" and "Detlef Schrempf." For their closing tune, "The General Specific," the mood of the show swiftly shifted from mellow to cheery. As Ben Bridwell grabbed a tambourine, people throughout the venue began to rise from their seats.  There were even two people in our section who shook their hips and clapped their hands throughout the upbeat song.  The most awkward thing was a business-man, dressed in a baggy white button down and dress pants, who busted a move as his arms flailed around in a crazy fashion. You could tell this man really enjoyed dancing like the whitest man alive.  

Overall the show was a chilled-out, sit-back epic masterpiece.  Everyone seemed to embrace the sit-back-and-enjoy tone of the concert, except for the few random bros who decided it was appropriate to yell out "Free Bird" and attempt to get others to stand up when most people wanted to retreat to their velveteen cushioned seats. Even though BOH's said this was the first time they had ever embarked on this type of show, the band seemed to be in their element: playing acoustic gems on carpets to a mostly mellowed-out and attentive audience.

• Check out Brooklyn Vegan for a complete(ish) set list and some pictures.