villagerrr Locket Single Review: Mark Allen Scott Announces Carousel

Villagerrr is back, and “Locket” feels like the kind of song that’s been sitting in your pocket for years—worn down, familiar, and deeply personal. Coming out of the Columbus scene, Mark Allen Scott has always had a knack for capturing that specific “Midwest mood,” but this new single feels like a genuine level-up.

Released via Winspear, “Locket” is our first real look at the upcoming album Carousel (dropping May 29), and it’s already hitting different.

The Vibe: Intimate but Massive

If you’ve been spinning villagerrr since Tear Your Heart Out, you’ll notice the shift immediately. “Locket” isn’t just a bedroom pop track; it’s got a communal, widescreen energy to it. Scott brought in some heavy hitters for this one—Boone Patrello (Teethe) and Ceci Sturman—and you can hear that collaborative spirit in the layers.

It’s got that signature slowcore DNA, but there’s a grit and a warmth here that feels less like a solo project and more like a band finding its collective voice.

The Heart of the Song

Scott isn’t one for overcomplicating things. He’s been vocal about the fact that “Locket” is basically a love letter to his circle. In his own words:

“Shit is hard, but we gotta stick together. To put it bluntly.”

That bluntness is exactly why it works. It’s a song about the heavy lifting of staying connected when everything else feels like it’s drifting. It’s pensive, sure, but there’s a defiant sense of hope tucked into the lyrics.

What’s Next?

“Locket” sits right in the middle of the 10-track list for Carousel. After years of Scott handling the brunt of the creative work, this record marks a pivot toward a more open, shared process, and if this single is any indication, that shift was the right move.

‘Carousel’ Tracklist:

  1. Full Nelson

  2. Gleam

  3. Carousel

  4. Virginia

  5. Crystal Ball

  6. Locket

  7. Indiana

  8. Roadstar

  9. Swimming

  10. What Does It Mean?

On the Road with Ratboys

You can catch these songs live sooner than you think. villagerrr is heading out on a massive North American run supporting Ratboys starting this month.

  • March 12: The Basement East – Nashville, TN

  • March 27: Club Dada – Dallas, TX

  • April 3: Teragram Ballroom – Los Angeles, CA

  • April 7: Neumos – Seattle, WA

Bottom line: Stop what you’re doing and go stream “Locket.” It’s the kind of track that stays with you long after the last note fades.