CD review: The Decemberists

Artist: The Decemberists

Album: The King is Dead

Label: Capitol

Rating: 4

There’s something in the water in Portland, Ore., the origin of many great folk indie bands. The Decemberists’ recently dropped album, The King is Dead, proves to keep with the same grand gesture of dazzled narratives and storylines of folk music.

Vocalist Colin Meloy dances along the sweet melodies with chanted lyrics such as “Let the dirt fall from our shoulders.” A welcome to early spring perhaps? Nonetheless, The King is Dead channels a lot of feelings from all seasons from the finger-picking laced tunes to the slower earthy hymns.

Splendid melodies, harmonies and lyrics are nothing new for fans of The Decemberists. However, the diversity and range of The King is Dead is something surprising that fans will definitely enjoy.

Give these tracks a listen: “June Hymn,” “Dear Avery,” “Down by the Water”

For Fans Of: The New Photographer, Iron & Wine

– Uyen Cao