The Decemberists

Portland band The Decemberists, arguably one of the most intriguing and unique artists in the current US indie-rock scene, release their third full-length next week. The sound of Picaresque is, like in previous albums, best described as highly ambitious chamber-pop with a penchant for grandiose instrumentation and dramatic lyrics about fascinating, unlikely characters and their epic stories of love and death. Where this record makes a significant departure from past efforts, however, is not in the storyteling but in the songwriting --it is hardly an exaggeration to state that some of the year's best songs are included here. Not only are these melodies the perfect vehicle to evoke the thrilling worlds created by of band leader Colin Meloy's staggering imagination, but they also stand as powerful, heartfelt pop gems in their own right. As evidence, here is Picaresque's memorable first single 'The Engine Driver.'