It’s a sad fact that most of us haven’t gotten out much since the beginning of the pandemic. Thankfully, Villages are here to help us take the scenic route without ever having to leave the couch.
Upon the Horizon comes as a glimpse into the Cape Breton group’s next full-length album, due sometime next year. With Phil Ek at the helm of production, the band not only got to live out the dream of working with a musical hero, but also to reaffirm the unmistakable influences of fellow indie staples like Fleet Foxes.
While only three tracks long, the songs themselves are very large in scope, with sweeping instrumentals and lyrics that breathe extra life into the project. “Poetry in Motion” lives up to its name. It has the most flowery lyrics of the whole EP, and the delicate plucking of strings creates a serene soundscape perfectly fitting for the saccharine love song. Meanwhile, the dramatic flourish in “Glistening Hum” is a perfect closer for the EP.
That ability to craft lush soundscapes remains a powerful tool in the band’s arsenal. “Upon the Horizon” immediately brings to mind sun-drenched hills and journeys through nature. This is intentional, and the band refers to the track as a pure COVID daydream. The daydream came about as a means to try and capture a feeling that would transcend the isolation of pandemic restrictions.
“Being locked up naturally conjured visions of escapism,” says guitarist/vocalist Matt Ellis. “Escaping to the wilderness has always been a way to find peace, but when even that was not an option it was yet another thing that had been taken for granted.”
Luckily, this EP has a very similar effect. The songs are cloaked in peace by emulating the beauty of nature and the wonder of adventure—which, until we can get there fully ourselves, is more than enough to slake that thirst.