The Decemberists - TheKing Is Dead

Thu 10th Feb, 2011 in Music Reviews

Perhaps it was The Decemberists’ warm and charming debut live shows in Australia early last year, but I have come to believe that the band can pretty much do no wrong. Whether it’s the folk-rock-laden tunes of albums like Picaresque, or the more ambitious narrative/opera releases of The Crane Wife and The Hazards of Love, one thing is certain – The Decemberists are incredibly gifted at crafting songs full of endearing hooks and warm sounds.

While previous album Hazards was in many ways a brilliant record, The King is Dead trumps it in both songwriting and accessibility. Without the confines of narrative structure and character drives, Colin Meloy and co have composed rich album of ten extremely good standalone songs – and an instantly likable one at that. There are no dull moments on this record; this could, essentially, be one of the band’s finest records to date.

Returning to their folksy roots with The King Is Dead, an ambling rhythm and comforting harmonica introduces opening track Don’t Carry It All before the rest of the album sweeps from the jangly guitars of Americana style ( Calamity Song ) to full blown alt-country ( All Arise! ). It is 40 minutes of summery hooks and heart-melting harmonies, all pushed along by Meloy’s earnest, strong and convincing vocals, and the highlights are numerous. The upbeat Rox in the Box has a vintage, quintessentially Decemberists sound with its fiddle/accordian accompaniment and sing-a-long chorus (“well it’s one, two, three, on the wrong side of the lee, what were you meant for? What were you meant for”), while the wonderfully composed simple pop of This Is Why We Fight bears the distinctly R.E.M-esque sound of Peter Buck (who, appropriately, plays guitar on the song).

Gillian Welch offers her vocal talents to The King is Dead, and while her input is relatively background – no leads here, save for a 30 second snippet towards the end of the record, just backing vocals – her wholesome voice proves to be the perfect foil for Meloy’s (extremely charming) nasal one. It especially shines on the more uplifting rock numbers like Down By The Water, though it also proves a beautiful emotional foil in ballads like the stirring June Hymn.

The King is Dead is a triumphant album from the Portland group. The Decemberists have enjoyed a career spanning eight years so far, and with their sixth studio album, it feels like they are only just reaching their peak.