Band of Horses gallop over to the UK and Ireland with new album and autumn 2012 tour

Band of Horses

Some four years ago, I was handed two tickets to go and see Band of Horses at the Shepherd's Bush Empire (one of two sold-out shows). Although I'd heard of the name before, I hadn't delved into either of their then-available albums, 'Everything All The Time' and the breakthrough classic 'Cease To Begin', thus I didn't know what to expect.

What I suspected was low-key strumming, lo-fi riffing and shoegazing country-rock (they were signed to Sub Pop, after all) - what I got was an epiphany that included HUGE melodic anthems and one of the most rewarding 85 minutes I've ever had at a live show. Ladies and gentleman, I give you Band of Horses. Sub Pop should certainly take some of the credit for giving the world such a fine band.

After the gradual success of that second album-release in 2007, which included the excellent single 'Is There a Ghost?', the band embarked on something of a festival travelogue, including UK slots at Glastonbury and T in the Park and an appearance at Denmark's Roskilde Festival. However bigger things were waiting around the corner with album number three, their major-label debut. 'Infinite Arms' well and truly gave the band considerably more of the spotlight and gave them a respectable Top 30 placing over here.

Album number four might go some better - if Alabama Shakes can split open the Top 3, these boys can do the same, albeit with a different style of music (see the included album-teaser video). The new set is due in September, which will give fans a clear two months before Band of Horses grace us with their presence once again.

The November 2012 tour will begin in Birmingham on the 15th, followed by Glasgow, Dublin, Manchester and finally (for now) Hammersmith on the 20th. We will have tickets on sale from 9am on Friday 13th July, priced at £18.50 (£20 for London). You can bet your teeth that these will sell out fast.

Paul Pledger