{Awayland}

**Relatively new to the music scene, Ireland’s Villagers came and conquered in 2010, with their debut album _Becoming A Jackal_ earning them a place on the coveted Mercury Prize shortlist. Inevitably, this level of success would leave any band vulnerable to criticism concerning their follow-up, with anything short of brilliant deemed to be a failure. Fortunately, it looks as though Conor J O’Brien and his band have triumphed once again with their latest offering of _{Awayland}_.**

From a first listen, one could be forgiven for thinking that this record was another in the mould of the now belligerently beige genre of folk, but then that would be a gross understatement of this band’s talents. The opening track ‘My Lighthouse’ appears to be a simple arrangement of only a guitar and vocals. However, on a closer listen, the intricate vocal harmonies seep through in their octaves, creating a musically satisfying and intellectual result which serves as the basis for the remainder of the record.

O’Brien has achieved an impressive and daring feat with this album, creating tracks which come together as one entity to tell a story through the utilisation of daring lyrics, bold and impressive orchestrations (featuring instruments which range from mandolins to synthesizers), and vocals so achingly emotive that they bleed seamlessly into the music, heard most evidently in the title track.

Altogether, in _{Awayland}_, **Villagers** have achieved an album highlighting the breadth of the band’s musical abilities; ranging from simple yet effective folk to complex, psychedelic and dazzling electronica, this may even eclipse their debut.

**Similar To**: Grizzly Bear, Fionn Regan

**MP3**: ‘Nothing Arrived’