Villagers - Becoming a Jackal (2010) [Domino] // Grade: C

Another push from the baroque indie pop genre arrives via Becoming a Jackal, the full-length debut release from Dublin’s Villagers. Led by singer-songwriter Conor J. O’Brien, Villagers occupy a space of literary metaphors, fantasy and tender folk-leaning melody.

While it may be their debut, Becoming a Jackal poises Villagers for a future as industry darlings. Their thoughtfully serious lyrics suggest early maturity with a dose of angst, a pairing that will afford the band cross-generational appeal. Light guitar and percussion drive the band’s compositions amidst moments of orchestral backing, a palatable and non-offensive mix of sounds ready for duties on next summer’s big heartstring-tugging Sundance flick, or your favorite coffeeshop’s stereo.

The most successful, and sonically appealing acts within the baroque pop genre are those that push their sound into the outskirts, filling their tracks with a sense of drama and mythos. Wild Beasts are one such act, experts of working outside the safe zone. In comparison Villagers, an act who’ve formerly toured as openers for Wild Beasts, seem unsure of experimentation. The instrumentation is skilled, but it’s clear O’Brien is meant to lead the band and the results are often stifling under the weight of his words. Lyrics of “selfish love” and “puppets on a string” (“The Meaning Of The Ritual”) feel practiced and fail to suggest real emotions and even the best moments of soaring hooks (“That Day”) come off preachy under O’Brien’s loaded language.

Villagers are just the kind of band a struggling, antiquated industry loves, non-offensive enough to be packaged and sold on a corporate level, yet talented enough for fans to believe in. And yes, the skill is surely there across Becoming a Jackal, but with little experimentation the Villagers lack intrigue and are just another band who sound good.

- Scrooge McFuck