You may have seen Conor O'Brien of late on guitar duty with Cathy Davey, but he's also been working away in the background with a new band, Villagers, who're set to play three dates in the new year.

The band, which includes a changing line-up of Conor and his "esteemed colleagues", have already played several small gigs, but this will be their first tour.

Conor has also recorded an EP, Hollow Kind, which will be released on the Any Other City label in February to coincide with the gigs.

Catch Villagers at the Ruby Sessions in Doyles on February 3; Cyprus Avenue, Cork (17) and Crawdaddy on February 21.