Band of Horses, previously known as simply Horses, is an American indie rock band formed in 2004 in Seattle by Ben Bridwell, Mat Brooke, Creighton Barrett and Rob Hampton. Joe Arnone joined the band in February 2006. It is currently signed to Sub Pop Records. The band often draws comparisons to My Morning Jacket, largely due to the vocal similarities between Bridwell and My Morning Jacket lead singer Jim James, as well as the occasional southern rock tendencies the two groups have in common, and to Widespread Panic. All Music Guide has compared Bridwell's vocals to Perry Farrell of Jane's Addiction, early Neil Young, and Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips.
Ben Bridwell (guitar, vocals) and Mat Brooke (guitar) formed the band in 2004 after the break-up of their previous band, Carissa's Wierd. The band initially received attention from Sub Pop after opening for Iron & Wine during Seattle area shows. In 2005, the band released Tour EP, which was sold exclusively at shows and on Sub Pop's website. Its debut full-length, Everything All the Time was recorded in 2005 with producer Phil Ek and released on March 21, 2006 to generally positive reviews.
On July 13, 2006, Band of Horses appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman without Brooke, who left the band on July 25, 2006 to focus on his other band, Grand Archives, that has since signed to Sub Pop. The band's current members have since relocated to Bridwell's native South Carolina.
The band's second album, Cease to Begin, was recorded in neighboring North Carolina and was released on October 9, 2007.
The band's lineup now includes singer-songwriter Tyler Ramsey, who plays guitar onstage, as well as provided some opening dates on tour.
The band, although known to its fans as an indie rock band, has had its song "Funeral" prominent in an TV advertisement for SUVs.
