Villers and The Villains

Music Confounds the Machines

Firstly, special thanks must go to longtime friend and blues brother Barry Cassidy.

Barry made me aware of this incredible band, led by Mr Tony Villers a man who’s ability to tell a story can make you smile or cry. I did both when listening to this album. The title: Music Confounds the Machines. There you have it, the essential role of music in our lives explained in a sentence. For what is a machine, it has no feelings, no emotions. It cannot feel happy or sad; it just exists.

From the beginning of time, music has been there. It’s an expression of who we are that comes from deep within our soul. It’s a constant companion that celebrates the highs and also there to console us when we face darker days.

This album has a richness of character running right through it. Songs like “The 1979 Situation”, the opening track on the album or the uplifting energy of “Meat For the Dogs”!, the sarcastic “The Government is Coming to Town”. Definitely the sentiment expressed in the lyrics. They are so easily identifiable by all of us. One of the most beautiful love songs I’ve ever heard is here: “When My Heart was Broke”. Then we have “Red Wine and Reefer” – what a song! This could be one of the best songs that Bob Dylan never wrote. I’ll finish off this review with the title track – “Music Confounds the Machines”. with this song , Tony Villers delivers a monologue with his natural Belfast accent taking center stage. Not many songs can make me shed a tear but this one did. To finish this album is brimming over with soul and heart. I highly recommend you give it a listen.

Thank you Tony Villers for producing one of the most heartfelt albums I’ve listened to in a long time.

Gerry Casey