The Decemberists emerged in the early 00s, and earned much acclaim for their distinctive brand of sophisticated, folk-tinged indie pop. Formed in Portland, Oregon, USA, by singer-songwriter Colin Meloy (b. 5 October 1974, Helena, Montana, USA), the band’s original line-up also featured Jenny Conlee (accordion/piano), Nate Query (bass), Ezra Holbrook (drums/vocals), and Chris Funk (b. Valparaiso, Indiana, USA; theremin/pedal steel guitar). Meloy spent some time in a country band Tarkio, and took a degree in Creative Writing, and both projects show through on the rootsy atmospheres and literate, narrative, image-rich lyrics of the Decemberists’ 2002 debut, Castaways And Cutouts. The album’s highly melodic songs simultaneously recalled sea shanties, 60s UK folk, 70s soft rock, and the contemporary alt-folk of acts such as Neutral Milk Hotel
In 2003 the Decemberists signed to heralded indie label Kill Rock Stars, which re-released the band’s debut and their follow-up, Her Majesty, that same year. By this point the line-up had changed with a new rhythm section comprising Jesse Emerson (bass) and Rachel Blumberg (drums). Her Majesty was built on the brainy wordplay and melancholic romanticism of its predecessor, but the song structures showed greater ambition and a dash of theatrical pomp. These progressive tendencies were more fully pursued on 2004’s EP The Tain, a five-part concept piece modelled loosely on the eighth-century Irish epic, the Tain Bó Cuailnge. Released by the Acuarela Discos label, the EP’s edgier rock dimension and exploratory instrumental passages gave a nod to 70s progressive rock as well. It also marked the return of Query to the line-up.
In 2005 Petra Haden (violin/vocals) guested with the band for the recording of Picaresque, a solid, assured album that further demonstrated Melroy’s lyrical prowess, penchant for wistful, melancholic moods, and finely honed popcraft. The band’s strongest album since its first, Picaresque also found Meloy continuing his obsession with nautical themes and tragic tales of death and loss.
The Decemberists subsequently recruited new drummer John Moen (b. Brainerd, Minnesota, USA) and signed a major label recording contract with Capitol Records, making their debut for the label in 2006 with The Crane Wife. This superb album was inspired by a Japanese folk tale and Shakespeare’s The Tempest and featured two separate song cycles, ‘The Crane Wife’ and ‘The Island’.
