Monday saw Bristol’s turn at hosting Portland’s The Decemberists as part of an 8 date UK & Ireland tour in support of new album What A Terrible World, What A Beautiful World.
Looking exceptionally dapper in a 3 piece suit, Colin Meloy strides onto the stage solo with acoustic guitar strapped on and kicks off with the appropriate opener The Singer Addresses His Audience ; opening track from the new album. The rest of the band, equally suited and booted, then join him on stage and they up the tempo with Cavalry Captain and Down By The Water. The sold out crowd, including Bristol legend Big Jeff is now warmed up !
Unexpectedly early highlight of the set kicks in on the 5th track when they play the spine tingling Sleepless. This was The Decemberists contribution to the compilation charity album Dark Is The Night back in 2009, and doesn’t appear on any of their albums. Stunning.
Chat with the audience is funny and engaging, especially when the song Philomena is introduced and Meloy says it was nearly ruined for him when the movie of the same name staring Judie Dench was released.
Then comes the absolute highlight of the night for me when The Island, Come & See, The Landlord’s Daughter from The Crane Wife is played in all its 15 minutes or so glory. Magnificent, spellbinding prog rock !
The conclusion to the main set is the audience participative 16 Military Wives from Picaresque and O Valencia! from The Crane Wife, in which Meloy squeezes a couple of lines from This Charming Man.
The only bum note of the night for me was the choice of encores. Considering their magnificent back catalogue, choosing 2 songs from the new album didn’t seem the right choice and seemed to lose the band some momentum. This however was forgiven when the joyous The Mariners Revenge Song closed the night, all sing along, sway along style. A fabulous way to end.
Great to see you again Decemberists ; 2 fantastic hours that literally flew by. Just don’t leave it so long next time!!
Keith & Ali
