Villagers {My Awayland}

{My Awayland} is Villagers second album and there is no doubt it is, once again, a smashing success. Conor O’Brien’s lyrics continue to flow seamlessly from one verse to another, likened by many to that Of Connor Oberst of Bright Eyes. I would also add that fellow Irishman Fionn Regan springs to mind lyrically. The music is more lush yet still unexpected at times. The strings take some strange turns yet compliment the mood of the moment perfectly. The opening track “My Lighthouse” starts out as a normal acoustic guitar and vocal piece but halfway the melody swings to another level taking you to a higher plane of imagery. “The Waves” builds up slowly with a steady, almost electronic, beat upon which layer upon layer of instrumentation fills our space, most distinctive being the horn section.

The first single from the record is “Nothing Arrived” and it is certainly the most radio friendly track on the album. It is also the folkiest track on the record and one that could have been easily found on the previous record. It is a strong first choice because it has the elements that make Villagers great but also is more simplified in its rhythmic and melodic progression, helping those first time listeners have an easier time of grasping on. The record ends with “Record Composer” which is the funkiest track. The mixture of lush strings, deep New Orleans style brass section, and rag-timey piano lend to a sweet and groovy feeling. It sums up the album perfectly and gives one final look at all its elements.

Villagers are on tour currently so I would strongly recommend you check them out. I personally already have tickets to their June 11^th show at Bowery Ballroom in NYC.

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