Mirage Rock
by Band of Horses
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Sep 18, 2012
User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 32
  3. Negative: 4 out of 32
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  1. mayhem1970
    Oct 5, 2012
    9
    This album is a treasure. It is one of the better albums that I have heard in quite a while. Each song is a distinctive story in own right but even more impressive as a body of work. The songs are lush and rich with attention to detail and song structure. At points you feel as if Neil Young is being channeled and at others, America or CSN or Bob Dylan even. The vocals are dead-on perfect.This album is a treasure. It is one of the better albums that I have heard in quite a while. Each song is a distinctive story in own right but even more impressive as a body of work. The songs are lush and rich with attention to detail and song structure. At points you feel as if Neil Young is being channeled and at others, America or CSN or Bob Dylan even. The vocals are dead-on perfect. Ben Bridwell's voice (as well as Robin Peringer) are fine tuned at this point in their respective careers and the harmonies are... flat-out... awesome. I highly, highly recommend this album not just to Band of Horses fans, as they will undoubtedly find it great, but to music fans in general. From start to finish, it's gold. In particular, listen to Knock. Knock, Heartbreak on the 101, Slow Cruel Hands of Time, Dumpster World. Plus, if you appreciate drums - which you should as they are the most important instrument in the band (sorry to the rest but it's the truth), Sera Cahoone kicks the sh!t out of the songs. Ass-kicking good.… Expand
  2. jearl4252
    Sep 25, 2012
    8
    Band of horses has never ceases to impress me. Infinite Arms represented a change in song writing as well as a developmental period in their career. I am glad to see they are continuing to experiment, including some experimental vocals that are quite successful. In the end this album has highs and lows. The highs, such as Knock Knock, Everything's Gunna Be Undone, and Slow Cruel Hands ofBand of horses has never ceases to impress me. Infinite Arms represented a change in song writing as well as a developmental period in their career. I am glad to see they are continuing to experiment, including some experimental vocals that are quite successful. In the end this album has highs and lows. The highs, such as Knock Knock, Everything's Gunna Be Undone, and Slow Cruel Hands of Time outweigh the lows, the lyrics. Unfortunately, lyrically this album is a step in the wrong direction. Certain lyrics elicit a face palm, however the musically this album is quite good. Do not expect to hear the same style of music as their 1st two albums, you will not find it. However, with an open-mind and a couple of listens it is apparent that Mirage Rock is a welcome addition to the Band of Horses collection.… Expand
  3. Kegster
    Nov 17, 2012
    8
    Well, this band has changed and continues to change, but I LOVE every step of their growth. The funny thing about this album though, is that the title track (and all the best stuff) is on the bonus disc, which you can only get with the deluxe version. So I don't think Columbia did the band a great service by issuing the album this way. Anyway, LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT. For all you alt.Well, this band has changed and continues to change, but I LOVE every step of their growth. The funny thing about this album though, is that the title track (and all the best stuff) is on the bonus disc, which you can only get with the deluxe version. So I don't think Columbia did the band a great service by issuing the album this way. Anyway, LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT. For all you alt. freaks, well too bad. Go listen to some old angry obtuse noise stuff. This is real.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 29
  3. Negative: 1 out of 29
  1. Boston Globe
    Dec 6, 2012
    80
    Ben Bridwell's voice remains a beguiling instrument in both high and low registers, and there are moments of stark beauty.
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  2. Exclaim
    Oct 30, 2012
    30
    Fourth album Mirage Rock is a bungled mess of poor production and half-assed songwriting.
    Read full review
  3. Magnet
    Oct 1, 2012
    80
    The songs work as robust individuals, as well as in the dynamic context of the album's sequencing; up-tempo rockers connect with sparse 'n' sullen twangers. [No.91, p.53]
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