The Waves

The Waves was recorded during sessions for Villagers' second album, {Awayland}, at Attica Audio in County Donegal, Ireland. Written by frontman Conor O'Brien and co-produced with bandmate Tommy McLaughlin, the recording combined the band's instrumental performances with synthesizers and electronic programming. Released on 30 August 2012 through Domino Recording Co., The Waves introduced the more expansive and experimental direction of Villagers' second album. Its gradual development from restrained vocals and electronic pulses into a dense, turbulent arrangement marked a departure from the predominantly acoustic songwriting of their Mercury Prize-nominated debut, Becoming a Jackal. The Waves became a defining recording of Villagers' early artistic development and appeared on {Awayland}, released in January 2013 and subsequently nominated for the Mercury Prize. Its combination of intricate electronic production, emotional songwriting and dramatic dynamics established an approach that continued to influence the band's evolving sound.