The Decemberists- The King Is Dead

Rough Trade/Capitol Records; 2011

Ebb'd and Flow'd-- 7.5

The Decemberists are a nerdy band; the same things that turn some people on to them steer others in the opposite direction-- Colin Meloy's unmistakable croon, story driven, verbose poetics, and a certain drive for absolute sincerity in unique subject matter.

With 2009's The Hazards of Love, the Decemberists released their "experimental" album, a folky prog rock opera filled with forest fantasy and true love loosely based on work done by British folk singer Anne Briggs. The album received mixed reviews; it was praised for its ambition, but it is safe to say that not many fans got in to the Decemberists for their take on prog rock. Nonetheless, and despite my initial hesitation, I enjoyed the album after a few spins and I aligned myself on the side of the supporters. It was especially impressive to see them perform it live in sequential order without pause between tracks.

The major question following their 2009 release was what direction the band would take next?. With The King Is Dead the Decemberists took a step back, left the electronics at home, and dusted off the acoutics. Attempting to once again nail an epic record or increase in scale might have signaled disaster; instead the group headed to the Pendarvis Farm in Oregon, converted an uninhabited barn to a music and recording space and came out with an album fitting for a relaxing afternoon stroll through the pine trees.

The King Is Dead combines Meloy and co.'s love for British Folk and Americana, and they do their best to combine the two to create a rustic album, rich in imagery and lyrical introspection-- without the overarching concept, a far cry from their last record.

The homage aspect of the record is immediately apparent on first listen and becomes more apparent when taking into account the collaborators recruited for the project; R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck plays on three tracks and Gillian Welch sings background on seven. Other unmistakable influences include Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, and early Wilco.

Despite being an enjoyable listen and a well-crafted album, it suffers during moments of scripted twang. The Decemberists have never been a particularly spontaneous or loose band, and this shows on the record. The looseness, improvisation and heavy sentiment usually heard and felt with Americana are lacking, but regardless, the Decemberists are a band hard not to enjoy. The King Is Dead is a nice turn for the band, and it is nice to hear them unbutton their starched 3 pieces and let loose a little, even if it is, just a little.

Only time for one track?

"Don't Carry It All"