The Decemberists - The King Is Dead

Portland, Oregon's own The Decemberists are back with their latest release, The King Is Dead. The follow up to 2009's The Hazard of Love finds the indie rockers experimenting in a more acoustic based fashion this time around, but they still retain that indie rock simplicity that has permeated their music all throughout the years.

The album starts off masterfully with "Don't Carry It All" a splendid, soaring number that gives us a glimpse into the vocal abilities of Colin Meloy that give the song that extra push which leaves the listener coming back to the song every time. 'Calamity Song" is another steady, consistent effort that continues the usage of acoustic guitars that add a distinct folk/country flavor to the song that gives the song that added touch of authenticity. "Rox In The Box" continues the oncoming melodic onslaught with Colin's vocals continuing to resonate strongly and we also hear the backing vocals of Jenny Conlee who also handles organ, accordion, and piano duties on certain tracks when needed. "January Hymn" is a quiet, somber tune that evokes feelings of the drastic cold of winter and the smell of wood burning in the air that gives it the feeling you're really outside in the cold and snowy weather.

The disc's second half starts off with my favorite song off the album, "Down By The Water" a melodic, bombastic number that ventures on a steady and manageable pace that never gives up. This song also features the guitar work of Peter Buck from R.E.M. and also includes some harmonica toots that give it that distinct indie/country sensibility. "June Hymn" is a warm, breezy tune that that hearkens back to those mild, summer days that sound very inviting with all the cold, snowy weather that we've been having recently. The song's vocals and their ability to blend in easily with the guitar are the highlight and main selling point of the song alone. The disc starts to come to a close with "This Is Why We Fight" a high energy, melodic tune that has a faster tempo than the other songs on the album and has richly melodic undertones that will keep you listening until the very end. "Dear Audry" is a very homey, country tinged affair that finds the group using all their direct influences and fusing them together to create a unifying song that encapsulates who The Decemberists truly are as a group. The Decemberists have slowly been gaining buzz in the indie music circle and have a small but ever growing fanbase who continues to find their down home style of indie music some of the best out there, and one that sounds crisp, authentic, and one that makes you feel like you're actually with the band as they're playing, something that is very hard to find while listening to most albums nowadays.

Overall, a marvelous effort here from The Decemberists, who continue to bring their down home blend of indie rock to the masses in the only way they know how, bringing it back home and taking the listener along on the journey to be part of this musical experience. Highly recommended!

                                                                                                                              Album Score: 4/5

Track Listing:

1. Don't Carry It All
2. Calamity Song
3. Rise to Me
4. Rox in the Box
5. January Hymn
6. Down By the River
7. All Arise!
8. June Hymn
9. This Is Why We Fight
10. Dear Avery