The Decemberists review

The King is Dead
3/5
Austerity-induced hilarity rationing means we have to avoid mentioning the outrageous irony of a band called The Decemberists releasing an album in January. Unfortunately, as far as interesting things to talk about go, that’s it for this record. It’s hardly a bad album, but where The Decemberists’ previous records have suggested a quirky prog sensibility champing at the folk-pop bit, The King… is in thrall to the gentle Americana which made beardy stars of the Mumford generation. It’s pleasant enough, for sure, but pleasant was never exactly their forte.