Long known for exploring the interstitial space between indie rock and classic literature, The Decemberists have of late been more interested in a couple of British musical movements of the ’70s, particularly electric folk and early heavy metal. The band’s fifth album, The Hazards Of Love, dabbles in the sounds of Fairport Convention and the proto-metal of bands like Black Sabbath and Deep Purple as it moves between (and sometimes melds) distorted dirges and contemplative, finger-picked meditations. And while all the noise may come as a surprise, it should come as no surprise that singer Colin Meloy’s lyrics are as rich and allusive as ever.
Updated 10/05/2009