Villagers are one of the few singer/songwriter acts to really catch my attention this year. I highly anticipated their debut full-length after shearing Conor O’Brien’s performance of the song “Twenty-Seven Strangers.”
The album delivered on the potential of the early singles and the Hollow Kind EP with new standouts like “Home” and “Ship of Promises” and reworkings of old tracks like “Pieces.” Some of the songs are performed with the backing of a full band, but the focus is always on O’Brien’s voice and lyrics, which fortunately stand up to scrutiny.
Domino Records announced that Villagers would be the first live act at the London venue the Old Vic Tunnels on the 4th and 5th of August. In celebration, they’re offering the title track from Becoming a Jackal for free download, right here.
The music video for the “Ship of Promises” was also debuted recently. Check it:
