Feel The Vibrant Energy Of VILLAGES Through Two Captivating Videos
This past October, the dynamic folk rock group VILLAGES lit up The Broadberry stage, opening for Wrinkle Neck Mules alongside Jack Stepanian in a truly memorable evening of music. Performing on one of Richmond’s most iconic stages made the night especially meaningful for the band, standing out as a key moment in their eventful 2024. Fortunately, the talented crew at Ear Nectar Media was on hand to document the occasion, preserving the set on video for those who couldn’t be there. As VILLAGES gear up for a festive holiday performance at Révéler Experiences on Saturday, December 21st–a fitting finale to an incredible year–now is the perfect time to revisit these videos and soak in the band’s vibrant energy and irresistible musical charm.
Shot by William Hicks and edited by JP, these two videos beautifully showcase the innate magic of VILLAGES, an all-star group that brings the exceptional musical vision of frontman Justin Paciocco to life. Leading the charge with his guitar and soulful vocals, Paciocco was joined that evening by a stellar lineup: Stephen Lecky on drums, Chip Hale on bass, Corey Wells on guitar, Patrick Dahlman on keys, and Caroline Vain on violin and backup vocals. One video highlights the band’s collective power, as their synergy shines brilliantly, while the other emphasizes each member’s individual strengths, blending their unique talents into a deeply moving and memorable performance. Together, these recordings capture the total essence of the band’s rich artistry.
In the first video, the band delivers an electrifying performance of “Falling Out Of (Love Song),” a neo-classic track radiating the tight-knit energy of a vintage ’70s soul-rock ensemble. A refreshingly unconventional love song, it stands out for its self-awareness and unabashed honesty, as captured in the striking line from the opening verse: “Well, I should probably tell you from the start / I won’t stop ’til I break your heart.” The track masterfully blends the familiarity of classic influences with bold, modern experimentation, showcasing the band’s ability to connect eras through their cohesive spirit. As the song unfolds, Dahlman, Vain, and Wells each take moments to shine individually, yet the heart of the performance lies in the band’s rollicking camaraderie. Even during a twangy solo, the group dazzles collectively, exuding infectious joy and energy that elevates the entire piece.
The second video presents the band in a different setting, one where the sound of VILLAGES shines even brighter. “Hope To Hold On” is a pensive number that delves into the fleeting nature of promised hope, delivered with a comforting sound that captures the complex feelings of fractured optimism. The band excels here by shining individually, working not as a single cohesive unit but as a complementary ensemble. Vain’s violin work conveys the song’s poignant emotion, while Lecky’s subtle percussive taps draw attention to the evolving mood. Dahlman’s keys ring out with a radiant optimism that mirrors the song’s title, while Wells’ guitar adds a layer of wistful melancholy. Beneath it all, Hale’s bass provides a steady yet wandering rhythm, traversing the full emotional spectrum of the track. And atop this rich musical foundation is Paciocco’s trademark drawl, as compelling as ever, pulling you into the song’s emotional depths with direct and evocative artistry.
The two videos capture a truly special set from VILLAGES, one that the band was eager to commemorate. “Not all gigs are created equal,” the band shared on social media, “and this was certainly one of the special ones — spirits were high, the band was on FIRE, and the audience really reflected that energy back at us in a real tangible way.” It’s the kind of atmosphere the band hopes to recreate on Saturday, December 21st, for the second installment of “It Takes A VILLAGES: Holiday Edition” at Révéler, a venue they previously performed at this past spring that was captured in shorter video previews for songs “Plato” and “Blindsided“. Like many holiday-themed shows this month, the night will feature special guests drawn from Richmond’s vibrant talent pool. It will be fascinating to see how these artists contribute to the spirit of VILLAGES, whether by shining individually to highlight a lesser-known aspect of a song or by adding to the collective energy of a section to amplify its impact. Either way, the night promises to be a rousing success, and both videos above make that abundantly clear. Don’t miss it!
It Takes A VILLAGES: Holiday Edition takes place at Révéler Experiences in Carytown on Saturday, December 21st. Doors open at 7 PM and music begins at 8 PM. Tickets are $15 at the door or you can buy them in advance on Révéler’s website. (CORRECTION: The show is now sold-out for tonight.) For more information on the event, view the poster below. Make sure to follow VILLAGES on social media by clicking here so you can stay up-to-date on future concerts and releases from the band.
