The Decemberists' "As It Ever Was" Album (2024) Resonates Through Time: Review & Stream
Reuniting with producer Tucker Martine (R.E.M., Neko Case, Sufjan Stevens) who began working with the band on The Crane Wife, the album features R.E.M.’s Mike Mills, The Shins’ James Mercer and Lizzie Ellison on background vocals. The first full-length release on YABB Records, the band’s own label, after a run of nearly two decades with Capitol. As they were once, here are the Decemberists again, now an independent band empowered by singing stories that sound instantly familiar and convey some bit of hard-won wisdom.
@Radiorock
In a world where music often fades as quickly as it finds fame, The Decemberists stand out as a band that defies the ephemeral nature of popular culture. Their album, “As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again,” is not just a collection of songs; it’s a masterful exploration of life’s perpetual cycles, weaving themes of history and memory into a rich tapestry of sound. From the first note to the last, this album invites listeners to embark on a journey through time, compelling them to reflect on the past while contemplating the future. Its ability to resonate deeply with audiences marks it as a timeless piece in the ever-evolving landscape of music.
What makes “As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again” particularly mesmerizing is The Decemberists’ unique blend of lush instrumentation and introspective lyrics. Each track is a story in itself, crafted with precision and care, pulling the listener into a world where every chord and word feels purposeful. The band’s talent for musical experimentation ensures that the album never becomes monotonous, offering a fresh experience with each listen. As you delve into the intricate layers of this standout release, you’ll find yourself captivated by its complex storytelling and the poignant way it encapsulates the cycles of life, making it not just an album, but a timeless narrative that resonates through the ages.
The Decemberists’ music often incorporates a wide range of instruments such as accordion, mandolin, and melodica, giving their sound a rich and layered texture. Additionally, their use of intricate vocal harmonies and unconventional song structures sets them apart from more mainstream bands. This attention to detail and innovation in their musical arrangements has garnered them a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.
One of the defining characteristics of The Decemberists’ musical style is their use of narrative storytelling in their lyrics. Many of their songs are structured like mini-novels, with elaborate characters and plotlines that draw listeners in and transport them to different worlds. This literary quality in their songwriting sets them apart from other bands in the indie folk rock genre, as it adds depth and complexity to their music. The band’s frontman, Colin Meloy, is known for his clever wordplay and poetic imagery, making their lyrics both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
The Decemberists’ unique musical style has been influenced by a wide range of genres, from traditional folk and Americana to prog rock and even sea shanties. This blend of influences, paired with their distinctive instrumentation and storytelling approach, creates a one-of-a-kind sound that is instantly recognizable. Their willingness to experiment and push boundaries in their songwriting and musical arrangements has solidified their status as one of the most innovative and original bands in the indie music scene. Overall, The Decemberists’ musical style is a testament to their creativity, artistry, and dedication to storytelling through music.
Renowned for their storytelling prowess, The Decemberists draw inspiration from various literary sources to craft intricate and compelling narratives through their lyrics. Their songs are often characterized by vivid imagery and complex characters, inviting listeners into a world filled with drama, emotion, and rich storytelling. The band’s frontman, Colin Meloy, is a masterful wordsmith who weaves together poignant narratives that delve into themes of love, loss, and adventure, captivating audiences with his unique storytelling abilities.
One of the defining features of The Decemberists’ lyrics is their ability to transport listeners to fantastical worlds and historical settings, painting vivid pictures through their storytelling. Songs like “The Mariner’s Revenge Song” and “The Crane Wife” are prime examples of the band’s narrative-driven approach, drawing inspiration from classic literature and folklore to create immersive and engaging stories. The band’s use of poetic language and intricate wordplay adds depth and complexity to their lyrics, allowing listeners to uncover new layers of meaning with each listen.
In addition to their storytelling prowess, The Decemberists also excel at crafting songs that resonate on a personal level, exploring themes of human connection, longing, and introspection. Tracks like “June Hymn” and “Don’t Carry It All” showcase the band’s ability to evoke emotion and provoke contemplation through their lyrical storytelling, touching on universal experiences and emotions that many listeners can relate to. By blending personal reflection with larger narrative arcs, The Decemberists create a sense of intimacy and authenticity that elevates their storytelling to a profound and impactful level.
“As It Ever Was” is simply a harvest of in-season flora from Avant-Garders, The Decemberists. The trailblazing band has consistently pushed the boundaries of musical experimentation and innovation throughout their career. From their early days crafting intricate storytelling through their lyrics to their more recent forays into incorporating different elements from various genres, The Decemberists have consistently demonstrated a willingness to take risks in pursuit of artistic growth and evolution. This commitment to pushing the limits of their sound has earned them critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase eager to see where their musical exploration will take them next.
One of The Decemberists’ most notable experiments in musical innovation can be seen in their album “The Hazards of Love,” a concept album that tells a cohesive story through a series of interconnected songs. Drawing on elements of folk, prog rock, and baroque pop, the band created a lush and layered sonic landscape that showcased their ability to seamlessly weave together disparate influences into a cohesive whole. This ambitious project highlighted the band’s willingness to break free from traditional song structures and embrace a more theatrical approach to storytelling through music.
In addition to their conceptual work, The Decemberists have also demonstrated a willingness to experiment with different musical styles and instrumentation. From incorporating elements of sea shanties and Americana in their early work to exploring more avant-garde arrangements and orchestrations in their later albums, the band has continually evolved their sound while remaining true to their core identity. This commitment to musical exploration and innovation has solidified The Decemberists’ reputation as one of the most inventive and forward-thinking bands in contemporary indie rock, and their ability to surprise and captivate audiences with their constantly evolving sound is a testament to their dedication to pushing the boundaries of creativity and artistic expression.
The Decemberists often explore themes of love, loss, and longing. Their music has a unique ability to evoke a range of emotions in listeners, from joy and nostalgia to melancholy and introspection. The band’s use of poetic language and storytelling in their lyrics adds an emotional depth to their songs that resonates with fans on a profound level.
One of the defining features of The Decemberists’ sound is the intricate instrumentation and arrangements that blend folk, indie rock, and baroque pop influences. The use of instruments such as accordion, mandolin, and violin creates a rich and layered sound that adds a sense of drama and emotion to their music. The band’s dynamic and often unpredictable song structures also contribute to the emotional impact of their music, drawing listeners in and keeping them engaged throughout each song.
The Decemberists’ music has a unique ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level, tapping into shared experiences of love, loss, and longing. Whether it’s the bittersweet nostalgia of “The Crane Wife,” the wistful yearning of “The Hazards of Love,” or the triumphant joy of “The Mariner’s Revenge Song,” The Decemberists have a gift for capturing the complexities of human emotion in their music. Their sound is a testament to the power of music to evoke and amplify our deepest feelings, making them a band that continues to resonate with fans and critics alike.
Beyond this latest effort, The Decemberists have always achieved a level of timelessness in their music that transcends the boundaries of popular trends and fads. Their unique blend of storytelling lyrics, intricate instrumentals, and creative song structures have set them apart from their peers in the music industry. The band’s ability to draw inspiration from a wide range of sources, including literature, history, and mythology, has allowed their music to resonate with a diverse audience and stand the test of time.
One of the key factors contributing to the timelessness of The Decemberists’ music is their willingness to experiment and evolve as artists. Over the years, the band has explored different musical styles and themes, leading to a diverse discography that continues to captivate listeners. By pushing the boundaries of traditional folk music and incorporating elements of rock, pop, and even prog-rock into their sound, The Decemberists have remained relevant and innovative in an ever-changing music landscape.
In addition, The Decemberists’ commitment to authenticity and integrity in their music has also contributed to their enduring appeal. The sincerity and depth of emotion in their lyrics, coupled with the musicianship and skill of the band members, create a powerful connection with their audience that transcends time and space. As a graduate student studying music theory and composition, I am continually inspired by The Decemberists’ ability to craft intricate and meaningful songs that stand the test of time, making them a truly timeless and influential force in the music industry.
The Decemberists are an American indie folk rock band from Portland, Oregon, formed in 2000. The band is known for their eclectic and literary-inspired lyrics, as well as their unique musical style that blends elements of folk, rock, and indie pop. Fronted by lead vocalist and guitarist Colin Meloy, the Decemberists have gained a dedicated following and critical acclaim for their distinctive sound and storytelling abilities.
One of the defining characteristics of the Decemberists’ music is their use of intricate and poetic lyrics that tell elaborate stories. Many of their songs are inspired by historical events, literature, and folklore, and feature complex narratives that often delve into themes of love, loss, and redemption. Colin Meloy’s evocative storytelling and vivid imagery create a rich and immersive listening experience that sets the band apart from their contemporaries.
Musically, the Decemberists draw on a wide range of influences, including British folk, sea shanties, and classic rock. Their sound is characterized by lush instrumentation, with melodic guitar lines, sweeping strings, and intricate arrangements that give their songs a cinematic quality. The band’s penchant for experimentation and willingness to push the boundaries of their sound have earned them a reputation as one of the most inventive and unpredictable bands in the indie rock scene.
Over the course of their career, the Decemberists have released a string of critically acclaimed albums, including “Picaresque” (2005), “The Crane Wife” (2006), and “The Hazards of Love” (2009). Each album showcases the band’s artistic growth and evolution, with a distinct sound and thematic focus that sets it apart from their previous work. The Decemberists’ willingness to take risks and explore new sonic territory has endeared them to fans and critics alike, earning them a reputation as one of the most innovative and exciting bands in indie rock.
In addition to their studio albums, the Decemberists are also known for their dynamic live performances. The band’s energetic stage presence and charismatic frontman make their concerts a must-see for fans, with Colin Meloy’s witty banter and engaging storytelling adding an extra layer of depth to the experience. The Decemberists’ ability to connect with their audience and create a sense of intimacy and camaraderie at their shows has helped them cultivate a devoted fan base that continues to grow with each new release.
In recent years, the Decemberists have continued to push the boundaries of their sound and explore new creative territory. Their most recent album, “I’ll Be Your Girl” (2018), sees the band embracing a more electronic and synth-driven sound, while still retaining the signature storytelling and melodic sensibility that has become their trademark. The album received positive reviews from critics and fans, cementing the Decemberists’ reputation as one of the most innovative and enduring bands in indie rock.
The Decemberists are a band that defies easy categorization, blending elements of folk, rock, and indie pop to create a sound that is uniquely their own. With their intricate lyrics, lush instrumentation, and dynamic live performances, the Decemberists have established themselves as one of the most creative and compelling bands in modern music. As they continue to evolve and experiment with their sound, the Decemberists remain a vital and exciting force in the indie rock scene, inspiring listeners with their storytelling prowess and musical inventiveness.
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