We’ve been huge fans of Villagers ever since Conor O’Brien appeared on Jools Holland a few years back to deliver a stunning solo rendition of ‘Becoming a Jackal’. The album of the same name lived up to the potential of its lead single and then 2013’s ‘{Awayland}’ saw Conor invite his bandmates into the fold more and saw Villagers head from folky roots into something more electronically tinged. Now, with the release of third album ‘Darling Arithmetic’ confirmed for April we were delighted to bring you the video for new single ‘Courage’.
Newly bearded, Conor has decided to go back to basics on this album and plays every single instrument on every song. He’s a talented man and ‘Courage’ hints that we could be hearing wonderful things. With acoustic strums and his distinctive vocals opening the song, Conor lists a number of regrets and confessions: ‘It took a little time to get where wanted’; ‘It took a little time to get free’; ‘It took a little time to be honest’ before contemplating how much you can miss a loved one after a break-up: ‘From time to time I get heavy hearted thinking about how we used to kiss’.
When Conor sings the word ‘Courage’, it’s with real conviction. Later on a full band sound comes in amidst an instrumental breakdown and the song finishes with a swirling flourish – complete with warped vocals and spine-chilling sounds.
Filed under: New music, Preview Tagged: alternative music, Becoming a Jackal, Conor O'Brien, Courage, Darling Arithmetic, Domino, Domino Records, folk music, guitar music, indie music, music, music video, new music, pop music, Villagers, VIllagers video
