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The Decemberists are progressive folk-rock band who have released some of the best albums of the past fifteen years with timeless songs who’s lyrics are untouched by modernity. Their eighth release “I’ll Be Your Girl” is the album they said would free them from old patterns and allow them to try something different. Turns out it’s hard to shake the sound the band has established and it’s synth-rock embellishments at worst, don’t distract from the music and at best they add depth and color to what are already great songs.

There is acknowledgment of the influence of artists like Roxy Music, The Smiths, New Order and Prince hidden like a musical scavenger hunt among the songs but, despite the more contemporary instrumentation, the old world descriptiveness of the lyrics gives them the band’s trademark charm.

There's a nod to the highly conceptual music of their past with an epic prog-rock ballad about a young lover following a siren’s song to a watery grave.

The Decemberists are at the peak of their creative talents and “I’ll Be Your Girl” is another master work. Their unique, literary style remains intact as they expand the tools they use to bring us these dark tales of fascination.