Video: Villagers solo performance - 'On A Sunlit Stage' (Bathroom Session)

Conor J. O’Brien may have both the countenance and the annunciation of one Conor Oberst, but I say this; Villagers is better than Bright Eyes. Much betta. The Irishman and his lyrics are wonderfully decipherable and relatable, but they’ll make you shiver all the same. And while O’Brien might gaze and strum a guitar, he has no qualms about reaching over and turning the synthesizers on full, or even calling the drum section to kick it up 3 notches. Let’s take the opening track of Becoming a Jackal “I Saw the Dead” [...]

A tune from each of the artists appearing on the opening episode of the 36th season of Later with Jools Holland

• Hot Chip - Graceland (Paul Simon Cover)

More than any other Irish band over the last three months, none have been spoken about in more hushed and excited tones than Villagers the new project from Conor O'Brien, formerly of The Immediate. Now Villagers have announced that a debut EP called Hollow Kind is released next February and a launch gig will take place in Crawdaddy on February 21st. Hollow Kind was written and performed solely by Conor, recorded by guitarist Tommy McLaughlin, and released by drummer James Byrne on his 'Any Other City' label in [...]