Villagers - Fever Dreams
Irish songwriter Conor O'Brien returns with his fifth studio album under the Villagers name, and his first since 'The Art of Pretending to Swim' in 2018. O'Brien's work has oft been compared with Bright Eyes, and it was at Latitude in 2011 that Villagers and Bright Eyes each performed a set, and I had the chance to compare and contrast first-hand. I instantly became a fan of both.
Villagers first two albums each received Mercury Prize nominations, and O'Brien also collected an Ivor Novello Award in both 2011 and 2016. His songs are known for open and honest explorations of love and relationships, and Fever Dreams follows true with a wistful continuation of these themes, but twinned with a euphoric sense of freedom and escape.
Two singles have already been released – 'The First Day', an evocative celebration of human connection, and 'So Sympatico' which is, quite simply, the most beautiful love song that I have heard this year.
Devotees of Villagers will fall for Fever Dreams just as much as previous releases – the usual quirks and eccentricities are there, but this time around there is a floaty, orchestrated lightness reminiscent of Flaming Lips, Mercury Rev, and even Prefab Sprout. O'Brien's vocals remind also at times of fellow Irishman Conor Deasy, lead singer with Dublin band The Thrills.
Those visiting Villagers for the first time will find a generous opportunity to warm both heart and soul, and those returning will bathe in the beauty of this new collection. All should experience a joy in journeying to the life-affirming world of Fever Dreams.
9/10
