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Album Review: Villagers - Darling Arithmetic

Dylan Stewart
StarStarStarStar

"Tender, intelligent and beautiful"

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Every autumn brings with it a record that sings to the season’s longer evenings spent curled up on a couch, glass of wine in one hand and lover in the other.

This year’s version is Darling Arithmetic. Conor O’Brien, the man behind the moniker Villagers, has “hand-crafted” a collection of warm, intimate songs channelling equal parts Nick Drake and Milk Carton Kids to deliver an acoustic gem. O’Brien plays every instrument, meaning there’s no standout aspect to the arrangements; rather, he lets all the elements swirl together. The results are tender, intelligent and beautiful.