But it s unwise to simply write-off the subtle command of melody the entire band wields throughout Cease to Begin . Using primarily guitars, but occasionally employing banjos, lap-steel, and organ, BoH and producer Phil Ek tease beauty out of every nook and cranny. Is There a Ghost, the ethereal lead-off track, highlights Bridwell s vocal range while the alt-country-esque Windows Blues highlights the bands melodic sensitivity.

With lyrics like, the world s such a wonderful place ( Ode to Irc ) and no one s ever gonna love you like I do, ( No One s Gonna Love You ) some may argue that Cease to Begin is a soft rock album chock full of ballads masquerading as indie pop, which is supposed to be (and usually is) a little less rooted in what could be called saccharine sensibility. Although calling the album soft rock goes a little far, one does have to admit that Cease to Begin is a little on the prom-y side.

But, so what? Band of Horses takes a risk by pouring on the sentimentality so thickly. And the gamble pays off. It s hard not to embrace this album, even if it can meddle on the schmaltzy side. However, to say that there is a sentimentality about the album isn t to say that there is a lack of range of mood. From the euphoric Island on the Coast to the exuberantly rollicking The General Specific, to the melancholic Cigarettes Wedding Bands Cease to Begin displays BoH s song-crafting chops.