Band of Horses' sixth album “Things Are Great” has a title dripping with sarcasm and a set of earnestly great songs that speak to the need for that sarcasm. Despite the fact that most of the songs were written before the pandemic they seem to describe life as we know it.

From songs about anxiety, panic attacks and therapy Ben Bridwell, the band’s founder shows that he still knows how to relate what he’s singing about to what his listeners are going through and in some cases he suggests how to cope.

There’s very little filler among the album’s ten songs, with soaring choruses and layered guitar work in just the right places. This is one of the few rock and roll bands left that can capture the essence of the music every time they release something new.

Propulsive rock with a big heart, “Things Are Great” is a back to basics album from a band relying on the strengths that have made them special from the beginning.    

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