Concert Photography: Villagers

Dublin’s Villagers were back in Stockholm last night, but this they took the stage as the main act (they opened for Grizzly Bear in the fall). People crowded in to Debaser Medis to listen to Conor O’Brien and his band play their unique mix of indie folk and atmospheric interludes.

Ireland’s rich literary tradition is reflected in O’Brien’s story-like lyrics. Listening to Villagers is a cinematic experience, with O’Brien as the main character, telling his tale, while the band plays the emotionally stirring soundtrack.

Villagers' lyrics are often rather dour, exposing the darker sides of humanity. Even if they are nicely packaged as a pop melody, a closer listen reveals their true nature and watching O’Brien on stage confirms this. He looks utterly pained while he sings, as if the truths he is trying to release are agonizing. He sings with a deep passion and it’s enthralling.

They played songs mostly from their new album, “Awayland”, which was released in January, but they fit in a few beloved tunes from the critically-acclaimed “Becoming a Jackal” as well. Highlights included “Earthly Pleasures” and “Becoming a Jackal” and they closed with the high-tempo crowd favorite, “Ship of Promises”.

O’Brien took the stage alone to play an intimate acoustic version of “That Day”, but was soon joined by the rest of the band and closed with “On a Sunlit Stage”. They left the stage to huge applauds from the crowd, which called in vain for yet another encore.

Everyone was left wanting more, myself included. Thanks for a great night, Villagers.