The Art of Pretending to Swim
by Villagers
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: Sep 21, 2018
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. PopMatters
    Sep 19, 2018
    60
    The Art of Pretending to Swim is never less than pleasant, and there are no bad songs here. But it's only intermittently interesting because O'Brien's vocals and melodies are mostly just okay.
  2. Exclaim
    Sep 18, 2018
    50
    The inevitable has caught up with O'Brien, who finds himself struggling to stay afloat on The Art of Pretending to Swim. The self-produced record dives into murky waters in an ambitious attempt to incorporate an electronic flair to an already complete set of folk tunes.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. Ricko
    Nov 29, 2018
    8
    Conor O'Brien has produced some incredible songs across the last decade or so and is arguably the standout Irish songwriter of the 2010's inConor O'Brien has produced some incredible songs across the last decade or so and is arguably the standout Irish songwriter of the 2010's in terms of not just really great songs but albums that are beautiful, interesting and experimental while all the time remaining accessible. Incredibly, album number 4, "The Art of Pretending to Swim" is his best work so far, blending all that is good about the Villagers projects into a sublime album. Highlights include "A Trick of The Light", "Long Time Waiting" and "Love Came With All That It Brings" but to be honest the whole album is majestic.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »