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Iron & Wine, Band Of Horses Frontmen Re-Team For Covers EP

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  Iron & Wine's Sam Beam and Band of Horses' Ben Bridwell will follow up their 2015 covers album Sing Into My Mouth with an EP of new interpretations.

Iron & Wine and Band of Horses Frontmen Team Up for Eclectic Covers Album: A Deep Dive into Friendship, Music, and Creative Synergy


In the ever-evolving landscape of indie folk and rock, few collaborations feel as organic and heartfelt as the one between Sam Beam of Iron & Wine and Ben Bridwell of Band of Horses. These two singer-songwriters, both hailing from the American South and sharing a penchant for introspective lyrics and melodic introspection, have long admired each other's work. Now, they've channeled that mutual respect into a joint project: the covers album *Sing Into My Mouth*, a collection that reimagines songs from a diverse array of artists, blending their distinct styles into something uniquely harmonious. Released under the banner of their respective labels, this album isn't just a side project—it's a testament to the enduring power of friendship in music, born from late-night jam sessions and a shared love for the obscure corners of rock history.

The genesis of *Sing Into My Mouth* traces back to the early 2000s, when Beam and Bridwell first crossed paths on the touring circuit. Beam, known for his whispery, bearded folk persona with Iron & Wine, and Bridwell, the charismatic leader of Band of Horses with their anthemic, reverb-soaked rock, found common ground in their Southern roots—Beam from South Carolina and Bridwell from nearby areas. "We've been buddies for years," Bridwell recalls in a recent conversation. "It started with just hanging out after shows, swapping records, and talking about the music that shaped us. Eventually, those talks turned into playing songs together, and before we knew it, we had this idea to record some covers that meant something to both of us."

What makes this album stand out is its eclectic tracklist, pulling from a wide spectrum of influences that reflect the duo's broad musical tastes. They tackle everything from Talking Heads' quirky "This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)" to Sade's smooth "Bullet Proof Soul," and even delve into more obscure territory with tracks like El Perro del Mar's "Party" and John Cale's "You Know More Than I Know." Beam explains the selection process: "We didn't want to just cover the hits everyone knows. It was about songs that had personal resonance, ones that maybe flew under the radar but hit us hard at certain points in our lives. Ben would suggest something, I'd counter with another, and we'd see how our voices meshed."

One of the album's highlights is their rendition of "Done This One Before" by Ronnie Lane, a nod to the Faces and Small Faces era that showcases their ability to infuse folk-rock with a gritty edge. Bridwell's robust vocals complement Beam's softer, more ethereal delivery, creating a dynamic interplay that's both intimate and expansive. "Sam has this way of making everything sound like it's coming from a quiet room in the woods," Bridwell says with a laugh. "I bring a bit more of the stadium energy, but together, it balances out." Beam echoes the sentiment, noting how the project allowed them to step outside their comfort zones. "With Iron & Wine, I'm often in this solitary space, crafting songs alone. Working with Ben was refreshing—it's like having a conversation through music."

The recording process itself was a laid-back affair, fitting for two artists who've built careers on authenticity rather than polish. Sessions took place in various locations, including Beam's home studio in North Carolina and spots in Seattle, where Bridwell is based. They enlisted a small team of musicians, including members from both bands, to flesh out the arrangements, but the core was always the two of them trading verses and harmonies. "We didn't overthink it," Beam admits. "Some tracks were done in one take, others we tinkered with, but the goal was to capture that live feel, like we're just two friends playing in a living room."

This collaboration comes at an interesting juncture in both artists' careers. Iron & Wine, which started as Beam's solo project in the early 2000s with lo-fi recordings like *The Creek Drank the Cradle*, has evolved into a full band affair with albums like *Kiss Each Other Clean* and *Ghost on Ghost*, incorporating jazz and pop elements while maintaining its folk core. Band of Horses, meanwhile, burst onto the scene with 2006's *Everything All the Time*, blending shoegaze with Americana, and have since released critically acclaimed works like *Cease to Begin* and *Infinite Arms*. Both have navigated the indie scene's ups and downs, from major-label deals to independent releases, and this covers album feels like a palate cleanser—a way to recharge before diving back into original material.

Beyond the music, *Sing Into My Mouth* speaks to the deeper themes of camaraderie and artistic vulnerability. In an industry often driven by competition, Beam and Bridwell's partnership highlights the joy of collaboration without ego. "Music can be isolating," Bridwell reflects. "You're on the road, away from family, pouring your soul into songs. Having a friend like Sam to bounce ideas off makes it all worthwhile." Beam adds, "We've both been through the wringer—touring endlessly, dealing with the business side. This project was a reminder of why we started making music in the first place: for the love of it."

Critics have already begun weighing in, praising the album for its inventive reinterpretations. The Talking Heads cover, for instance, strips away the original's new-wave bounce, replacing it with acoustic guitars and layered vocals that evoke a campfire singalong. Similarly, their take on "Ab's Song" by The Marshall Tucker Band pays homage to Southern rock roots, with Bridwell's drawl adding authenticity. Not every choice is a radical departure; some tracks hew close to the originals, allowing the duo's personalities to shine through subtle tweaks. "We weren't trying to reinvent the wheel," Beam says. "It was more about honoring these songs while putting our stamp on them."

Looking ahead, both artists hint at potential future collaborations, though nothing is set in stone. Beam is working on new Iron & Wine material, possibly exploring more orchestral elements, while Bridwell teases that Band of Horses might incorporate some of the covers' experimental spirit into their next album. "This was fun, and who knows? Maybe we'll do it again," Bridwell muses. For now, *Sing Into My Mouth* stands as a bridge between their worlds, inviting fans to discover the shared influences that bind them.

In a broader sense, this album arrives at a time when covers projects are enjoying a renaissance in indie music, from artists like Cat Power reimagining classics to collaborative efforts like those from The Bird and the Bee. What sets Beam and Bridwell apart is the genuine affection underpinning their work—it's not a gimmick, but a celebration of the songs that soundtracked their lives. As Beam puts it, "These are the tunes we'd play for each other on long drives or after a show. Sharing them with the world feels like extending that friendship to everyone listening."

Fans of either band will find plenty to love here, from the haunting beauty of "Coyote" by Joni Mitchell (a track they transform into a duet of quiet intensity) to the upbeat swagger of "Straight and Narrow" by Spiritualized. It's an album that rewards repeated listens, revealing new layers in the interplay between Beam's poetic restraint and Bridwell's emotive power. Ultimately, *Sing Into My Mouth* isn't just a collection of covers—it's a musical dialogue between two kindred spirits, proving that sometimes the best art comes from simply singing into each other's mouths, as the title playfully suggests.

As the indie scene continues to fragment and evolve, projects like this remind us of the human element at its core. Beam and Bridwell aren't chasing trends; they're chasing connection. In an era of digital isolation, their collaboration is a warm, analog embrace—a reminder that music, at its best, is about sharing stories, one song at a time. Whether you're a longtime follower of Iron & Wine's introspective journeys or Band of Horses' soaring anthems, this album offers a fresh entry point, blending the familiar with the unexpected in ways that linger long after the last note fades.

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