VILLAGERS 黑胶唱片和CD

Review: Conor O'Brien's sixth album under the Villagers moniker, That Golden Time, takes a departure from the band-oriented sound of its predecessor, Fever Dreams. Instead, O'Brien delivers a collection of vulnerable and intimate solo-based songs, recorded mostly in his own apartment. The album's title reflects its warm and nostalgic atmosphere, while also touching on the tension between romanticism and realism in life. Continuing his tradition of crafting melodies that captivate and arrangements that subtly enhance the emotional depth of his lyrics, O'Brien invites listeners into his world of hopes, fears, and dreams expressed through richly absorbing poetry. Despite the intimate nature of the album, O'Brien collaborates with guest musicians, including Planxty's Donal Lunny, to add depth and texture to the sonic landscape. O'Brien's artistry and ability to create music that resonates deeply with listeners is also a journey into the heart and mind of one of Ireland's most talented singer-songwriters.

Review: The skittering drums, sweet nihilistic croons and chiming melodies of Dublin three-piece Villagers make it six albums in eight years. It clearly remains, then, that they are sweethearts of the label, and they squeeze everyone's most trusted vital organ once more by romancing our chest plates with numbers like "Again" and "Fool". There are more experimental dream sequences to be heard in tracks like "Love Came With All That It Brings" though, but back on track you'll find the more feel good in "Real Go-Getter" and "Ada". But really it's about the gnarly synth jam that is this album's title track.