Donegal isn’t renowned for attracting musicians. Aside from a bizarre appearance by Chuck Berry a few years ago, the live scene in Letterkenny is virtually non-existent. As such, I’m a little concerned that Conor O’Brien’s Villagers won’t attract the sold out crowds that they’re used to. The fact that support act Windings perform to only a handful of people does nothing to assuage these fears. But like clockwork, Villagers take to the stage and the crowds flock to see them.

Opening with slow-burner ‘The Meaning of the Ritual’, it is immediately clear just why there has been so much hype surrounding the Malahide man’s latest project. A brooding atmospheric rendition with ominous overtones allows Conor to demonstrate his considerable vocal abilities, veering effortlessly from a sweet falsetto to aggressive yelps and howls. Surprisingly the band breaks out lead single ‘Becoming A Jackal’ early on. It’s a move that pays off however, as a flawless performance of the song leaves the audience in the palm of his hand for the remainder of the show.

Conor is given a rapturous response here tonight, and when he asks for silence during acoustic number ‘To Be Counted Among Men’, the crowd goes deathly quiet. This allows for an intimate performance, complimented with some superb rhythmic piano work. Indeed Conor’s backing band are often overlooked when considering Villagers, and their brilliant performance attributes to what is a near perfect set. The band close with an electric rendition of ‘Ship Of Promises’ before the roars of the crowd bring them back for an encore of ‘The Pact’ and ‘On A Sunlit Stage’.

I often think of my favourite bands and my favourite Irish bands as two separate entities. It’s been a long time since the likes of Rory Gallagher or Van Morrison were producing sonic masterpieces, while U2 haven’t met their own high standards for over decade. But with Villagers, we have something special. An accomplished performer, a writer and arranger, a poet. On tonight’s set it seems little wonder he’s garnered the acclaim he has. It seems like only a matter of time before he trades this small Letterkenny club for a much larger stage.