The Return of The Decemberists: A New Musical Journey

The indie icons hailing from Portland, Oregon, The Decemberists, are back after a six-year hiatus with their latest album, "As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again." This double album is a testament to the band's journey and evolution over the past two decades. From folk laments to synth-rock anthems, The Decemberists have always embraced exploring new sounds and tackling diverse themes.

Album Title: A Reflection of The Band's Journey

The title, "As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again," derives from the last line of the final song, giving the album a potent and fitting presence. It reflects the band's extensive discography, capturing elements from every corner of their musical journey. This album signifies their departure from Capitol Records after 20 years, as they chose to independently release it under their own label, Y.A.B.B. Records.

The Gap Between Albums: A Natural Progression

Lead vocalist and songwriter Colin Meloy explains the longer gap between albums as a natural progression for the band. He didn't want to overstay their welcome and believed that there was already a wealth of Decemberists music for fans to appreciate. Meloy's other creative projects, such as solo recordings and authoring children's books, also contributed to the delay.

Album Structure: A Nod to Experimentation and Versatility

The album is divided into four sides, each with its own distinct character. The first side consists of narrative-driven songs, contemplating on themes of death and mortality. The subsequent sides explore different musical styles and themes, showcasing the band's versatility and willingness to experiment. Meloy cites Hüsker Dü's "Zen Arcade" as an inspiration for the album's structure, as it is one of the few double records with a thematic element to the side breaks.

Influence of Politics and Literature on The Decemberists' Music

The Decemberists' previous album, "I'll Be Your Girl," was heavily influenced by the 2016 election and the political climate at that time. However, the dark and cynical tone eventually depleted Meloy. He clarifies that his thoughts of leaving the band after each album is a recurring pattern, and it wasn't any different after the release of "I'll Be Your Girl." Literature has always played a significant role in The Decemberists' songs, with Meloy drawing inspiration from various books and historical events. For instance, "The Black Maria" was influenced by a book about Soviet satellite countries, while "William Fitzwilliam" was inspired by Hilary Mantel's "The Mirror and the Light."

Collaborative Efforts and Future Plans

The album features collaborations with James Mercer of The Shins and Mike Mills of R.E.M., who added their distinct voices and musical contributions to the record. These collaborations occurred organically, with Mercer and Mills being open and eager to participate in the project. Meloy expresses his interest in exploring the theme of religious cults in future Decemberists' songs. He also dreams of writing a song for Morrissey, although he acknowledges the challenges and complexities surrounding the artist's reputation.

The Milestone Album

Overall, "As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again" represents a significant milestone for The Decemberists, showcasing their growth as artists and their ability to create diverse and compelling music. With their latest album, the band continues to push boundaries and captivate listeners with their unique storytelling and musical style.