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Written by Jeff Dubbin
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Monday, 11 May 2009 |
 When listening to The Decemberists, a dictionary, a vast knowledge of obscure literature and a love of rich storytelling is helpful. Photo - Decemberists.com
Colin Meloy, the band’s lead singer and chief songwriter, explained to Pitchfork, “music should definitely underscore the sentiment of the song, and it can work for or against it. It has just as much power in creating a kind of perpendicular sentiment in the music, creating a nice friction that also plays up some of the tension in the song.”
And to see them play is nothing short of a theatrical experience. Their fifth and most recent studio album, “Hazards of Love,” was originally conceived as a Broadway musical, in fact. Seventeen songs tell the story of young Margaret, whose elopement into a treacherous forest with her shapeshifting lover leads to her abduction and his death at the hands of a jealous forest queen and her minion. Only with Margaret’s own death do the lovers find peace together.
Given the band’s current explorations, its style may fall somewhere near the intersection between folk and metal – two genres that probably only intersect in some far-away forest.
Perhaps more impressively, this intrepid chronicling of one girl’s perilous love was released under the mainstream Capitol Records label. This unlikely arrangement, redefining the nature of so-called “Indy” music, tells its own story: even to the most risk-averse listener, The Decemberists do delight.
According to Rolling Stone, “The album will be the centerpiece of their…spring tour,” which begins in May and culminates at Bonnaroo.
Lead guitarist Chris Funk, also known for his public “Guitarmageddon” face-off against TV’s Stephen Colbert, paints musical scenery with a six-string brush. Darling keysmaster Jenny Conlee, the biggest smile in prog rock, weaves chords like the “Crane Wife” they sing about: “with feathers in the thread.” Meloy’s mastery is backed by a stand-out cast.
Audience members should expect theatricality, vivid lyrics and avid musicianship. And if their music is any indication – and it is – each live Decemberists performance offers still one thing more: a little magic.
[Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Decemberists official Web site]
Jeff Dubbin is a TheSequitur.com senior editor.
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