Band of Horses, known for their soaring indie rock anthems and heartfelt lyrics, deliver electrifying live shows. However, their setlists are rarely static, varying from night to night and tour to tour. This makes predicting an exact setlist impossible, but we can explore common themes, fan favorites, and potential inclusions to give you a good idea of what to expect at a Band of Horses concert.
What Songs Are Usually in a Band of Horses Setlist?
A typical Band of Horses setlist pulls heavily from their most popular albums, including Everything All the Time, Cease to Begin, and Infinite Arms. You can almost guarantee hearing classics like:
- "The Funeral": This iconic track is a staple, rarely absent from their performances. Its emotional resonance and powerful build-up make it a crowd favorite and a true highlight.
- "No One's Gonna Love You": Another hugely popular song, its catchy melody and relatable lyrics guarantee a singalong from the audience.
- "Is There a Ghost": Often found early in the set, this track establishes the energy and tone for the evening.
- "Islands": A beautiful and melancholic ballad, "Islands" showcases the band's ability to balance powerful instrumentation with introspective songwriting.
- "Laredo": This driving, upbeat track is usually a high-energy moment in the set, getting the crowd moving.
Beyond these core tracks, the setlist often incorporates songs from their later albums, showcasing their evolving sound and musical depth. Expect to hear tracks from Mirage Rock, Why Are You Dead?, and their most recent releases.
What Influences the Band of Horses Setlist?
Several factors contribute to the variability of a Band of Horses setlist:
- The Tour: Different tours often feature different focuses, highlighting songs from a specific album or era.
- The Venue: Larger venues might allow for longer sets with more deep cuts, while smaller shows may stick to a tighter selection of well-known songs.
- The Band's Mood: The band’s creative energy influences the setlist. Sometimes, they'll experiment with different arrangements or tempos, keeping the performances fresh and exciting.
- Audience Response: Band of Horses are known for interacting with their audience. If they sense the crowd is particularly receptive to certain songs, they may adjust the set accordingly.
How Long is a Typical Band of Horses Concert?
A Band of Horses concert usually lasts around 90 minutes to two hours, including an encore. The precise length can depend on the factors mentioned above.
What is the Best Band of Horses Song? (Subjective, of course!)
There's no single "best" Band of Horses song, as musical taste is subjective. However, "The Funeral" consistently ranks highly among fan favorites due to its powerful lyrics, memorable melody, and emotional impact. Ultimately, the best song will depend on individual preferences.
Are there any unreleased Band of Horses songs played live?
While rare, there have been instances where Band of Horses have debuted unreleased material live. This usually happens at smaller, more intimate shows, offering fans a unique preview of upcoming work. Keeping an eye on fan reports from recent shows can sometimes reveal these hidden gems.
Where can I find past Band of Horses setlists?
Setlist.fm is an excellent resource for finding past setlists from various artists, including Band of Horses. This website is updated by fans who attend concerts, providing a comprehensive archive of past performances.
By understanding the common themes and influences on their setlists, you can prepare yourself for a truly memorable Band of Horses concert experience. Remember that the beauty of a live show lies in its unpredictability—expect the unexpected and enjoy the ride!
