On Stage: Band of Horses @ Caprera

Well, they say three is a charm, so after getting rained on twice at the Caprera open air theatre, we're heading there for a third time. Now it's Band of Horses playing there. Some people don't like the more heavy sound of the band, but I totally dig that. After seeing them several times on festivals now we get to see a full show.

Band of Horses at Caprera Bloemendaal, August 22 2017

Indeed it has been quite a nice day and the sun is shining when we arrive at the theatre that already has filled up quite well. It looks like an almost sold out show but we can still find a nice spot. The band starts slowly with singer Ben Bridwell behind the lap steel slide guitar. 'Monsters' and 'The First Song' are nice songs to get this show going. Slowly the band is picking up the tempo when they play 'Casual Party' and 'Solemn Oath' off their new record Why Are You OK. These songs are rocking heavily and are played without holding back. The sound isn't really great and telling from the people at the front that get up to find a different spot, it especially isn't very well when seated all the way down at the front.

For the band this doesn't matter, since they are having a great time. Big smiles all around when they play a nice overview of their catalog with some heavy rockers and some more intimate songs. Keyboard player Ryan Monroe and Bridwell are a great combo who sing lovely harmonies. After quite a lot of line-up changes it looks like it is now a coherent group with good chemistry. They look relaxed on stage and there's time for jokes and laughter, especially when Bridwell confuses some songs on the set list and is starting the wrong song.

At the end 'The Great Salt Lake' sounds inspired before one of their best songs 'Is There A Ghost' follows. Of course the band returns after a short break to play their big hit and fan favourite 'The Funeral'. This was a lovely night at the beautiful theatre with lots of great music to enjoy. I like the direction this friendly band is heading and to me this completely works.



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Set list:
01. Monsters
02. The First Song
03. NW Apt.
04. Casual Party
05. Solemn Oath
06. Marry Song
07. Older
08. Laredo
09. Cigarettes, Wedding Bands
10. Detlef Schrempf
11. Compliments
12. In a Drawer
13. St. Augustine
14. Throw My Mess
15. Hag
16. No One's Gonna Love You
17. The Great Salt Lake
18. Is There a Ghost
Encore:
19. The Funeral