The Decemberists - The King Is Dead

‘The King is Dead’ is the Decemberists sixth studio album since 2002 and follows up 2009’s disappointing effort ‘Hazards of Love’, which took the band’s eccentricity and wonderful narrative songwriting to its furthest extent yet lacked the emotion that had made earlier records, such as ‘Crane Wife’ so compelling.

‘The King is Dead’ strips back the typical Decemberists sound focusing instead on a more traditionally folk sound. To call this album relaxed or simplified would be wrong, instead it might be fairer to say that it is a redefinition of the bands identity. The band crafts a record that is subtler, downplaying the idiosyncrasy of old but one that is ultimately more immediate while keeping the bands talent for great lyrics and sing-along choruses.

Throughout the album the Decemberists infuse ‘The King is Dead’ with a sense of where the recording took place with the album was recorded in the spring 2010 in a barn on the 8-acre Pendarvis Farm. On track ‘Rise to me’ this is particularly apparent, not only is there a great feeling of space and openness but also a real awareness of the season; cool yet with a hint at the encroaching warmth of summer. It is a very beautiful song, reminiscent of ‘Danko/Manuel’ from the Drive-by Truckers, and full of the heart that has been missing from the band.

‘Rox in the Box’ seems to be inspired by the sea-shanty genre and, while a slower more reflective song, calls back memories of another Decemberists song ‘The Mariner’s Revenge song’

This is a great album to begin the year with and one that will only grow in charm as the winter month’s pass away into memory, just in time in fact to see the band as they bring the album to Glasgow this March.

DwR.