Some releases demand attention from the first note. ILL AGES by Villages is one of those records. Released in 2017, this debut 12″ record exemplifies post-punk energy, melody, and atmosphere. It is both sharp and dreamy, aggressive and contemplative. Everything works in perfect harmony, creating an unforgettable listening experience worth repeating over again. Villages immediately embrace angular guitars, driving bass, dynamic drumming, and swirling synths, but they do so with a distinct voice. Their music is not a mere homage to the past but an evolution of it. The guitars jangle and distort, cutting through with relentless precision, finesse, and power. The intricate and heavy basslines provide rhythm and movement. The dynamic rhythmic patterns shift between steady grooves and explosive bursts. And then there are the synths, ethereal, eerie, and completely mesmerizing. They weave in and out, sometimes subtle, sometimes dominant, but always crucial.
Villages know how to construct immersive soundscapes. The layers shimmer with reverb, adding an almost hypnotic quality to the music. The synths, with their cold, detached beauty, contrast sharply against the warmth of the melodies. These experimental approaches resulted in such a fresh, unique, innovative, entertaining listening experience that will immediately appeal to the crowd. The vocals are another highlight soaring above the soundscapes and guiding the listener through each song with emotional depth and clarity. There is urgency in the delivery, yet also enormous control. Every phrase is carefully placed, every lyric charged with meaning. The melodies elevate the music to new heights, assuring that even the most angular, jagged instrumentation remains accessible and engaging. Villages’ vocal approach owes much to classic post-punk, but there is also something fresh in the delivery. The vocal harmonies carry a certain weight, a depth of feeling that makes every line resonate. There is an emotional rawness here, a sense of yearning and urgency that few bands capture so effectively.
Each track on ILL AGES is crafted to perfection. The band understands the balance between structure and chaos, between tension and release. The compositions never feel predictable, yet they never lose sight of their purpose. The arrangements are equally impressive. Instruments enter and exit at just the right moments, building layers of sound that keep the listener tied to the material. The interplay between guitars, bass, drums, and synths is so carefully thought-out, with each instrument serving a crucial role in the overall experience. The songs shift effortlessly between subdued contemplation and tempestuous intensity. The arrangements are tight and purposeful, but there is also an element of spontaneity, an unpredictability that keeps the listener on edge. Those changes in rhythm, the sudden bursts of noise, the delicate moments of silence, all of these elements contribute to a listening experience that is as engaging as it is immersive. A great band needs great production, and ILL AGES delivers on that front as well. The sound is rich and textured, with every element given the space it deserves. The reverb-drenched guitars shimmer, the basslines throb with heaviness, and the drums punch through the mix with clarity and force. The synths, with their haunting presence, add an extra dimension to the sound. It’s an immersive, polished yet raw and abrasive ambiance, suitable for even the pickiest music enthusiasts.
e. Too often, bands in this genre lean too heavily on reverb and effects, losing definition in the process. Villages avoid this pitfall, crafting a sound that is atmospheric and precise. Every note, every beat, every texture is deliberate. This is an EP that sounds just as powerful on a high-quality sound system as it does through a pair of headphones. Each track on ILL AGES stands out in its own way. “Pulse” sets the tone for the remainder of the listening experience, pulling the listener into Villages’ world with its calm rhythm and haunting melodies. The interplay between guitars and synths is magnificent here, creating an urgent and expansive sound. Tracks like “Midnight Midnight,” “Philadelphia,” and “Siblings” build slowly, layering elements until it reaches a cathartic explosion of sound. The drums are especially impressive, driving the song forward with unique energy. The basslines sound fascinating, providing a melodic counterpoint to the guitars and vocals. These songs are just some examples of the tight musicianship, emotional depth, and a keen sense of dynamics included throughout the entire material.
“The Guart” closes this material on a note of bittersweet beauty. There is a sense of yearning in the vocals, a feeling of unresolved tension that stays even after the music fades. It is a perfect ending to a record that never settles for easy resolutions. ILL AGES showcases a band that knows exactly what they want to say and how to say it. Villages have taken the foundations of post-punk and built something fresh, something vital. Their DIY roots are evident in their passion and intensity, but their sound is refined and forward-thinking. There is no filler here, no wasted moments. Every song feels essential, every choice deliberate. It is the work of a band that has already found its voice, something that many bands struggle with even after multiple releases. Every element works together in perfect unity, creating an immediate and lasting sound. This is a band that understands the past, embraces the present, and is ready to shape the future. Villages have given us something special with ILL AGES. It’s a collection of songs, it is an experience, a journey, a glimpse into a world of sound and emotion that few bands can create. This is post-punk at its best, intelligent, dynamic, and beautiful. Head to PIKE Records for more information about ordering this gem on vinyl.
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