Endless Afternoon

I found it difficult to write the beginning of this article. I oscillated between "A debut album is always something exciting because it's about a beginning, about something new and perhaps really good." and the more prosaic "Villagers will release their debut album, Becoming a Jackal, on 8 June 2010." Because I couldn't make my mind, I chose to write them both. Ta-dam! And now, because you already know what it is all about, let's go straight to the point.

Villagers were never that kind of energetic band that makes you want to dance all night long, and their debut album proves this once more. The music is deep and calm, which will probably please all of the folk lovers out there (I can see you!): acoustic guitar, piano and violin (the opening of I Saw the Death is marvelous). Even though sound is really diversified (the boys really do know how to play with their instruments), the impression is one of a really cohesive piece of work. It makes you feel like you're the main character in a film about the meaning of life. You know, that kind of movie that brings on the conclusion "Life is tough, and the best we can do is to endure it and be happy with what we have." and that, after a very long struggle with your demons. It's the perfect soundtrack.

They are so dedicated to bring a tribute to sadness that not even the drum line on Ship of Promises (probably the most energetic track on the whole album) doesn't manage to ruin the impression. The lyrics represent another brick in the wall. "For a long, long time I've been in pieces / In the corner of the room, in an endless afternoon" sings Conor J. O'Brien on Pieces. On I Saw the Death, he asks you to "Let me show you the backroom where I saw the death / Dancing like children...", while musing "If he's for hell he'll show no sorrow / Until he's born again tomorrow / If he's for heaven, there's no reason / To lament the passing season" on To Be Counted Among Men. And his voice does nothing but to accentuate the dark feeling.

The album is exactly what it was to be expected from Villagers. Even if it tends to become monotone from time to time, it's a fine debut. However, it's not recommended to listen to it if you're in that dance-all-night-long state I was talking about earlier. Just take your time, grab a cup of coffee and close your eyes. In an endless afternoon.

*photo courtesy of We Are Villagers' official site