The Art of Pretending to Swim
by Villagers
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: Sep 21, 2018
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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  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 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 goodConor 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.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. musicOMH.com
    Oct 15, 2018
    80
    O’Brien isn’t afraid to tackle heavy subjects (there are songs about self-doubt, faith and even a tribute to 19th century mathematician Ada Lovelace), but it’s all pushed through with a real lightness of touch that means that it’s easy to give The Art Of Pretending To Swim plenty of repeat listenings.
    Read full review
  2. Drowned In Sound
    Sep 24, 2018
    80
    There's an intricate balance struck between analogue and digital, between raw confession and meticulously engineered sonic detail.
    Read full review
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    Sep 21, 2018
    80
    Villagers fans will no doubt love this record, which has the capacity to obtain a new fanbase with O’Brien’s newly found sound.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »