Album Review: The Decemberists, As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again

Buoyed by a renewed sense of vigour, The Decemberists have dished out their latest album on a silver platter, ready to be devoured. It’s their longest record to date, and as such, As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again reflects the abundant creativity of frontman and songwriter Colin Meloy.

Having spent the last two years of his life on individual pursuits, from scoring a theatre production to authoring a children’s novel, Meloy has circled back to his roots with this aptly named revival record. Co-produced by Meloy and Tucker Martine, the 13-song collection features a host of star-studded collaborations, with appearances from the likes of R.E.M.’s Mike Mills and The Shins’ James Mercer.

The album’s jangling opener, ‘Burial Ground’, finds Meloy singing of the universal meeting point past death’s door, while on album-highlight ‘William Fitzwilliam’, he meditates on the challenge of overcoming life’s obstacles. Revolving around themes of morality, loneliness, longing and expectation, there is wonderful lyrical and melodic flair throughout.

The album culminates in 19-minute prog-epic ‘Joan In The Garden’, inspired by Jules Bastien-Lepage’s famed painting of Joan of Arc’s hallucinatory visits with angels. It makes for a memorable finale, complete with funeral bells, church organ and synthesisers. Overall, this might just be Meloy’s finest achievement yet.

8/10