Confirming them yet again as one of the greatest bands of the past 10 years, ‘The King Is Dead’ is another triumph of Americana from The Decemberists. Less theatrical than their previous releases (although still more so than most bands), Colin Meloy’s vocals still tell wonderful stories and I doubt this year will produce more poetic lyrics than the gorgeous and melancholy ‘June Hymn’. There are dark moments and uplifting ones and there’s no doubt you’ve been taken on a journey by the end of the album.
For those who were put off by their (in my opinion, brilliant) rock-opera, The Hazards of Love, this is a more accessible offering, shifting towards REM territory at times. For those who loved The Hazards of Love, well, you ought to like this as well, as it's a damn fine record.
8.5/10
For fans of: REM
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