Cosmic California

On a conference phone interview a few weeks back with Band of Horses, I learned the secret to achiving the lush harmonies found on their new album “Infinite Arms” while performing live - jalapenos. 

The band has been adding unlikely choices to their rider. "I think everybody's got their different method," says guitarist Tyler Ramsey. "Whiskey does work. All of a sudden there were hot peppers and jalapenos showing up on the rider, so some people in the band are definitely into those. I don't know if it's good for the voice, but it definitely gets you going."

Ramsey, who joined the band in 2007, will have plenty of opportunities to test the harmony-helping attributes. The bands tour will take them between the UK to the US, Europe, Japan and Australia.

For Ramsey, who joined the band before recording "Infinite Arms," the tours this time will have an extra element. "For me, not being on 'Cease to Begin' but touring that record for as long as we did, it's a thrill to be able to play the parts that I came up with in the studio and just really get to play them in front of people."

“Infinite Arms,” sees Band of Horses hone a kind of Cosmic California sound -- all West Coast harmonies and scuzzed-up guitars.

Part of this summer's tour, the band will take to the road as guests of fellow Seattleites Pearl Jam. "We're excited, it's going to be fun to see them. They're supposed to put on an incredible live show, so it'll be fun. I'm excited to see how it works out."