The Decemberists' Boundless Storytelling in As It Ever Was

0:00On March 24th, the Dec. released their 2024 album as it ever was, so it will be again, blending upbeat tunes with deep thoughts on death and mortality. Frontman Colin Maloy draws from personal experiences, including visions and hallucinations that fuel creativity. Standout tracks like burial ground and the reapers mix single-long courses with heavy themes, while the 19-minute epic Joan in the Garden anchors. The double vinyl's fourth side, that long opener, pulls from a futuristic take on Joan of Arc's story, where an angelic vision from St. Michael sparks her path. Maloy sees parallels to his songwriting process, like being guided by unseen forces amid modern doubts about mental states or substances. Fans and critics note how the band keeps pushing boundaries, echoing their past works like the five-part suite, the Tane from 2004 and the Rock Opera. The Hazards of Love from 2009. Maloy admits the ostentation feels right for their storytelling style, but it's all tongue

1:02in cheek. Influences range from Billy Joel's ambitious scenes, from an Italian restaurant on the stranger, a staple in his childhood home, to sonic youths. Extended jams. The band dips into Prague elements through keyboardists Jenny Connelly's wild solos, nodding more to Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden than flashy virtuosity. Maloy stresses earning those sprawling songs, rather than overdoing them, balancing listener demands with rewarding challenges. It's about sneaking fresh sounds into everyday playlist, without overwhelming anyone. This has been Music News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with The Story.