Categories : Music Reviews, Rock + Pop.
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Rating: 4 / 5 Reviewer: Brian Thompson |
After the elaborate and somewhat flawed The Hazards of Love, The Decemberists have taken mighty strides in laying to rest those particular ghosts with the release of The King is Dead.
The Oregon five-piece wisely decided to revisit their roots, and in doing so have produced a transcendent 10 track collection of American folk-rock gold. From the opening barn dance driven bars of ‘All Arise’ to the rousing climax of closing track ‘This is Why We,’ frontman Colin Meloy and co. deliver song after song, each one overflowing with fantastic hooks and unblemished vocals.
Whilst the more obvious influence may stem from the likes of legends Tom Petty and Neil Young, its REM from which the band draw the most. And despite standout tune ‘Down by the Water’ assuming a more than favorable form of its own, it does bear a startling similarity to ‘The One I Love.’ So it should come as no surprise to discover that Peter Buck makes a cameo appearance on guitar.
Also featuring on several tracks are the delightful backing tones of folk singer-songwriter Gillian Welch who adds depth and a touch of class (not that it was ever lacking). None more so than on the uncomplicated yet beautiful acoustic number ‘June Hymn.’
The King is Dead marks an all conquering rebirth for The Decemberists.
