Villagers

You need to check this Irish band out.

I first came across the Villagers when they were shortlisted for the Mercury Prize in 2010 for their fabulous debut album "Becoming A Jackal." Now, two years later, with the release of their second album "Awayland" (Jan, 2013) Villagers are finally receiving the attention that they so rightly deserve.

This indie folk band is made up of front man Conor O'Brien, Cormac Curran, Danny Snow, James Byrne and Tommy McLaughlin. If you like the artists; Dry the River, Low Anthem and Fionn Regan, than Villagers should be right up your street.

When it comes to putting on a live performance, these boys are no rookies. Having toured with the likes of Tracy Chapman, Bell X1, and Elbow, Villagers know what it takes to please a crowd, and please a crowd they do! They have grown quite the fan base over the years, and so it comes as no surprise their shows are often sold out. Hugely popular in Ireland, this band just keep on getting better and better. There is no doubt most of their success is down to the talents of Conor O'Brien, who as the lead singer, uses his voice superbly to deliver the beautiful and sincere lyrics of the band.

If you are still unsure about this band, check out their EP "Hollow Kind" which was released back in 2009 - it is really very good!

Tour dates
11th June. The Bowery Ballroom - NYC
26th June. Glastonbury Festival - UK
11tth July. T In The Park - UK
15th August. Green Man Festival - UK
23rd August. Leeds/Reading Festival - UK

For more information regarding tickets and tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/2393580-villagers/calendar?page=1

Goodnight Lenin Review

I saw this band from birmingham when they supported Dry The River at the HMV Institute.

Before seeing them I can honestly say I had never heard anything about them or their music. Although a relatively unknown band, Goodnight Lenin has grown quite the fan base, with gigs frequently selling out. In addition to performing at gigs, Goodnight Lenin have been playing at a number of festivals including the Wood Festival and Glastonbury.

I really enjoyed these boys performance. A folk-esq band with the enthusiasm and spirit of Mumford and Sons when they perform, these boys definitely deserve a chance. With strong vocals and a vast array of instruments there was nothing dull about their set. When listening to the boys I was reminded a great deal of Low Anthem - in terms of both vocal and music style.

Give them a go - you may be pleasantly surprised.

Tour Dates:

20th Nov. The Castle - Manchester 

21st Nov. The Bodega - Nottingham 

23rd Nov. The Great Gatsby - Sheffield 

26th Nov. Kasbah - Coventry

27th Nov. The Boileroom - Guildford 

28th Nov. The Cookie Jar - Leicester 

29th Nov. Sebright Arms - London

1st Dec. Birmingham Cathedral - Birmingham 

2nd Dec. A Nation of Shopkeepers - Leeds

For more information regarding tour dates and tickets check out: http://www.goodnightlenin.com/live