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

Lord Huron Review

Last week I went to see this band perform live at Scala in London. For more info regarding the band check out my previous post: Lord Huron

First up was the supporting act, Nataly Dawn. A singer I had not come across before, Nataly Dawn is a singer-songwriter from San Fran, USA. Nataly reminded me a great deal of a Anna Nalick and Regina Spektor. Although a great singer and songwriter, I felt that Nataly was missing something in her performance. One thing however that did stand out to me was how witty she was. Her dry sense of humor was clearly appreciated by the crowd, who were all giggling and listening between tracks.

Next on stage were the main act themselves; Lord Huron. Playing mostly songs from their debut album "Lonesome Dreams" these guys were really very good. I was initially surprised at the strong turn out, especially since this American indie folk band are not that well known within the UK.

Leading the boys on stage was lead singer Ben Schneider. Kitted out in a tweed jacket and a cowboy hat there was no questioning the 'folk' in this band. Looks cast aside however, Schneider and the rest of the guys' vocals were right on point, delivering track after track flawlessly.

It was obvious from standing in the crowd that all five members of the band were having a fab time on stage performing. The bands constant interaction of glancing and smiling at each other, mixed with their  lively stage presence really made the whole gig so much more exciting and enjoyable to watch.

The highlight for me was the bands encore performance of "Time To Run" which was anything but dull. With plenty of percussion and instrumental parts played throughout the track, the song soon had the entire crowd singing, bobbing and clapping enthusiastically along. Another memorable moment was when Ben Schneider was left alone on stage part way through to sing "She Lit A Fire" and "Lullaby" acoustically. The fact that I am a sucker for pretty much all acoustic performances probably means I am being totally biased when I say how amazing this stripped down performance was.

I certainly enjoyed the evening of live music. Although not quite on par with The Lumineers, and Mumford & Sons just yet, these guys demonstrated they have all the ingredients to match them one day. I will certainly be keeping an eye out on Lord Huron and their new material - i urge you to do the same.

Tour Dates: 
21st May. The Cluny - Newcastle Upon Tyne
22nd May. King Tut's Wah Wah Hut - Glasgow
23rd May. The Deaf Institute - Manchester
21st June. Webster Hall - NYC
27th July. Wiggins Park - Camden, NJ (USA)

For  more information regarding tickets and tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/3447511-lord-huron/calendar?page=1

Acoustic "lullaby" and "She Lit A Fire"

Dry The River

Another harmonious folk band for you all.

Athough I have definitely exceeded the quota for recommending folk music this month, I couldn't resist one more. Dry The River are an indie folk from London.

With the support from the BBC and extensive touring around the UK, Europe and N. America, Dry The River finally got their break and signed with Transgressive Records in 2010. In 2011 they released their debut single No Rest, and followed this by releasing their debut album "Shallow Bed" on 5th March 2012.

I love the fact that despite Dry The River being a folk band, their appearance suggests nothing of the sort - boasting the grunge look expect skinny guys wearing vests, with disheveled hair and a lot of tattoos. I Love it!

As far as their live performances go - they are good! Lead singer Peter Liddle has unbelievable vocals which during the numerous harmonies, ooze conviction and emotion wonderfully. This band although seeming relatively 'new' to the scene, are by no means amateurs when it comes to performing. Dry The River, who have toured with the likes of Bombay Bicycle Club, are great at interacting with their crowds and showing off their  light-hardheartedness, despite their sombre music.

Most of their gigs sell out so I urge you to buy tickets fast - I have!

Tour Dates:
11th August. BT London Live - Hyde Park, London
25th Aug. Edinburgh Festival Fringe - The Electric Circus, Edinburgh
27th Aug. Electric Circus - Edinburgh
20th Sept. The Bowery Ballroom - NYC
16th Oct. The Junction - Cambridge
17th Oct. Wedgewood  Rooms - Portsmouth
18th Oct. Gloucester Guildhall - Gloucester
18th - 21st Oct. Swn Festival - Cardiff
20th Oct. Oxford
23rd Oct. Central Station & Yales - Wrexham
24th Oct. The Kazimier- Liverpool
25th Oct. 53 Degrees at University of Central Lancashire- Preston
26th Oct. Fibbers - York
27th Oct. The Leadmill - Sheffield
29th Oct. The Sugarmill - Stoke-on-Trent
30th Oct. HMV Institute - Birmingham
31st Oct. Komedia- Bath
1st Nov. O2 Shpherds Bush Empire- London

For information regarding tickets and their N. American, European and UK tour dates, check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/2437361-dry-the-river/calendar?page=1