VILLAGERS

{AWAYLAND}
Domino

15/20

The follow-up to Villagers’ Mercury-nominated debut Becoming A Jackal is an imperfect but intriguing second chapter. Conor O’Brien’s turbulent lyric-led assault is largely reminiscent of Bright Eyes’ Fevers and Mirrors, making comparisons to that other Conor O as relevant on {Awayland} as they were in 2010; his voice, however, falls somewhere between the doubled whisper of Elliott Smith and the precise annunciation of Jack Steadman.

It’s a worthy vessel for poignant words, no more evident than in lead single The Waves. Suitably submersing its listener in an alluring ocean of electronica, before building up to a magnificent, major key chorus, O’Brien masterfully blends literary writing with intelligent musical backing. Mid-album highlight The Bell is another example of cinematic production working well to expand on imagery-filled lyrics. Elsewhere, the plodding refrain of Judgement Call and routine sentimentality of Grateful Song allow one’s mind to wander, riddling the album with unexciting lulls. A progression nonetheless, O’Brien’s lyrical prowess renders {Awayland} a worthy listen.

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Words: Matt Ayres