Villagers - The Art Of Pretending To Swim
Anyone who remembers that fear of sinking that, as a child, made you unable to let go of the side of the pool, will understand the title of this album. A metaphor for existential hopes and fears it provides the theme that drives Conor O'Brien through this fourth Villagers' album.
Written away from the coastal farmhouse in Malahide, O'Brien withdrew to his flat in Dublin city centre, where for the first time he introduces sampling to his trademark triage of wistful lyrics, subtle melody and lush arrangement.
The result is a dazzling collection that arranges itself into a contemplative cycle of light and dark. Commencing with a complete questioning of spiritual belief in Again, it requires lead single, A Trick of The Light, to gently re-open the door. Sweet Saviour, Long Time Waiting, Fool, and Love Came With All That It Brings collectively conspire to re-establish a manifesto before the rhythmic Real Go-Getter delivers its own, alternate mantra for life.
The beautiful and enigmatic Ada concludes. Serving as a tribute to 19th century mathematician Ada Lovelace, it doubles as a departing celebration of science and technology, the absolute antithesis of faith and spirituality.
A gorgeous conundrum of an album.
8/10
