The Decemberists: What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World

The hiatus that Colin Meloy and co took after 2011's The King is Dead seems to have served the bookish indie-rockers well.

Although they have dealt with cancer (Jenny Conlee) and alternative careers as children’s authors (Meloy) in the interim, their seventh album balances a newfound vitality with songs that are comforting, familiar and exquisitely crafted.

Meloy remains an outstanding lyricist, particularly on tongue-in-cheek 1960s pop skit Philomena, the evocative Lake Song and the touching Make You Better.

These are full, rich-sounding indie songs that encompass Prefab Sprout-esque pop (Cavalry Captain), lusty, full-bodied folk (Better Not Wake the Baby) and sparse, soft duets (12-17-12).

Above all , it’s a satisfying record that quenches a thirst for quality songwriting.

[ thedecemberists.com ]