Shedding the progressive and psychedelic elements engaged on their fantastical rock opera 'The Hazards of Love', for their sixth studio album The Decemberists' alt-country roots remain relatively unadulterated, leaving it almost unfaultable for fans of that genre but perhaps lacking the range and imagination the band have previously displayed.
Possibly the simplest, genre-specific album The Decemberists have produced yet, as straightforward as 'The King Is Dead' may be, Meloy is still a strong songwriter, doling out easygoing melodies that draw on traditional songs and folk influences, yet it's often the soulful, affecting harmonies that add depth to proceedings. Gillian Welch's backing vocals add extra character to 'Down By The Water', one of three songs to feature the 12-string guitar skills of R.E.M.'s Peter Buck and owing significant debts to the iconic Atlanta rockers. Meloy has, in fact, admitted that the song "started out as more of a paean to R.E.M.", while Buck's guitar style is also instantly recognisable on 'Calamity Song'.
Brimming with bluegrass fiddles, mouth organs and ukuleles, 'The King Is Dead' is full of lively tunes that would sit perfectly in a local pub session. Counterbalanced by its potent low-key numbers, the stark, wintery notes of 'January Hymn' seems particularly relevant in this month of the album's release, while its sentiments are similarly opposed in its sister ode 'June Hymn'. So, though 'The King Is Dead' may offer little challenge to the discerning Decemberists fan, they'll no doubt still be satisfied with a quality alt-rock album that achieves its purpose with flair and precision.
