Concert review: An acoustic and electric evening with Band of Horses | 02.17.24, The Factory (with photo gallery)

Photo of Band of Horses by Laura Jerele

Two very different sets, one intermission, and one very amazing band. That’s what the sold-out crowd at The Factory got Saturday night with Band of Horses. Their music is emotional, filled with such lush harmonies, poignant lyrics, and expansive soundscapes that it really seemed fitting that they were the only band to take the stage that night.

They performed two very different sets, starting the evening with an acoustic set on a candlelit stage that somehow made the venue seem smaller and more intimate.  Along with all the candles, they were flooded with moody lights—and I’m a sucker for a stage drenched in atmosphere. After a short intermission and changeover, they returned to the stage, making jokes about how bad the ‘opening band’ was and kicked it into high gear with an energetic, electric set that punched with faves “Casual Party” and “The Great Salt Lake.”  Not wanting the show to end, I sadly knew it was when the stage was drenched in all red lights as the first few, haunting notes of “The Funeral” began. And even though it was over…It was absolute perfection. | Laura Jerele