DOWNLOAD THEN SEE: Village

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 6, 2011 2:30PM

Village is the project of local vocalist/guitarist Stephen Ucherek, begun in response to the break-up of his former band, The Living Blue. Last summer, Ucherek released Village’s debut full-length, Minimal Animal, showcasing a fresh blend of jangly pop, rock and folk, proving that sometimes break-ups are for the best. But Ucherek didn’t sit around basking in accomplishment; he’s since recruited a full band and released Village’s second full-length, Local Moves.

While the debut album was released when Village was still a solo project, Local Moves was recorded after the addition of three members - Kevin Smith (guitar), Mike Racky (bass and lap steel guitar), and Joshua Lucas (drums). Not surprisingly, the new LP has a fuller, more finished sound. “The Days are Gifts,” for example, opens the album with a sturdy guitar riff and continues with a constant, crisp drum beat behind Ucherek’s animated vocals. The album fluctuates between moods. Buoyant melodies like “A Bit of Relief” and “Behind the Rain” are contrasted by the gritty blues-rock of “Love on a Whim” or the tender psychedelia of “Panoramic Visions.”

While Local Moves was just released in February, Village already has a new EP in the works, though there's no official release date yet. You can catch their live performance when they headline Schubas next week, Thursday, April 14. Also playing will be dreamy pop duo Common Loon and ambient rockers Take Care, both hailing from Champaign. But if you can't want that long, Village will also play a set this Saturday at noon during the CHIRP Record Fair, which will have some nifty Village merch for sale.

MP3: Village “Sore Eyes”

Village plays during the CHIRP Record Fair, Saturday, April 9 at the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Union Hall, 1340 W Washington, 12 p.m.

Village plays Thursday, April 14 at Schubas, 3159 N Southport, 9 p.m., $8 in advance, $10 at the door, 21+