Since the first inklings of Conor J. O’ Brien’s new Villagers project was whispered about in the latter part of 2008, that whisper has become a loud swoon thanks to a handful of impressive live shows and a couple of myspace demos. I saw the band support Halves in November and was thoroughly impressed with the songcraft, arrangements and performance. As a result, Villagers featured on the cover of the latest (and digital-only) issue of State with some stunning photography from Rich Gilligan. Now I am pleased to say that Conor has allowed me to debut the studio version of 2 tracks from the 4-track EP, Hollow Kind out February 9th, right here.
‘The Meaning Of the Ritual’ is a little different to the myspace demo version in that the organ is much more understated but the sentiment remains anything but hollow.
Villagers – The Meaning of the Ritual
Meanwhile, the opening track of the EP, ‘Down Under the Sea’ is smothered in an uneasy menacing atmosphere with strange chords seeking something subterranean.
Villagers – Down, Under the Sea
Incidentally, today is Conor’s birthday. Wish him well. Conor and his fellow Villagers will be touring in February also. Highly recommended.
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, club promoter, event curator and producer of gigs, listening parties & events in Dublin.
I found my self on you tube looking at their few live videos and some random stuff from a bedroom it seems.. Not stalking him I swear! Haunting stuff! I am genuinely very excited about this EP and shows. I know it’s such early days but I have high hopes for this band! A great band I think with a rather unique sound. Their lead guitarist was in Irish band Berkeley (I think) who toured with the Immediate back in the day.. sob sob. I do hope Pieces is one of the other 2 tracks! It seems to be a favourite already for some.
deadly!
Savage stuff from Conor, as usual!
Awh this is top-notch stuff, the EP sounds really promising. Vocals are great!
Can’t wait to see the live show!
yum yum pigs bum.
A mediocre Radiohead with the lyrics like Coldplay . Why do bands put out E.P’s?… Why are they in such a rush to get recognition from their mates. Sorry guys not for me..
those two references are very lazy Richie and way off the mark.
Nialler 9 , can you not hear the the guitar’s being like Radiohead? Also, Conor’s Falsetto Vocals are akin to Chris Martin. Even when he goes down low in tone…
How is that being Lazy?? It is just my opinion.. This is the whole reason why you have given people the freedom to comment.. Not everyone is going to like everything..
Richie it really sounds nothing like either radiohead or coldplay, try this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkfLms4KQ_s