Villagers: Darling Arithmetic - review

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Darling Arithmetic

(Domino Records)

Villagers' Conor O'Brien confronts big questions in time-honoured fashion on his new album, by hoisting the acoustic guitar and gazing out to sea meaningfully.

Recorded in the Irish coastal town Malahide, Darling Arithmetic abandons the elaborate arrangements and dramatic songcraft of the two previous, much-praised Villagers albums in favour of meditations about life and love, conducted in trembling whispers and straightforward strumming.

Questions pile up. One moment we find O'Brien struggling to say "what's going on inside" him, the next he's gazing at a lover with "mystery in your eyes". Finally, on "So Naive", he tackles the biggest question of all: "How did I get here?" Irresolute indie-folk provides a discouraging answer.

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