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Hot New Album Fridays: The Decemberists make a triumphant return w/ “As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again”

  • June 14, 2024
  • 2 min read
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Hot New Album Fridays: The Decemberists make a triumphant return w/ “As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again”

The decemberists, as it ever was, so it will be again, indie rock, alternative rock, folk rock
Rating: 9/10 – EXCELLENT Album
With its rich storytelling, diverse musical influences, and impeccable production, As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again stands as one of The Decemberists’ finest works. It’s an essential listen for anyone who values music that offers both narrative depth and musical innovation.

The Decemberists make a triumphant return with their ninth studio album, As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again. Released after a six-year hiatus, this double album is a significant addition to their discography, showcasing their signature storytelling and musical innovation.

The album delves deep into themes of history, destiny, and the cyclical nature of life. Colin Meloy’s lyrics are as literary and evocative as ever, with tracks like “The Reapers” and “America Made Me” exploring existential and socio-political themes. The songs are divided into four thematic sides, providing a comprehensive narrative journey that reflects on past works while pushing into new territories.

Produced by Colin Meloy and Tucker Martine, the album features contributions from notable musicians such as James Mercer of The Shins and Mike Mills of R.E.M. The production is polished, balancing the band’s folk roots with progressive rock influences. The album’s standout track, “Joan in the Garden,” is a 19-minute epic that blends prog-rock elements with a deeply personal and historical narrative inspired by Joan of Arc.

Standout Tracks

“Burial Ground”: Opens the album with a powerful, haunting melody that sets the tone for the thematic exploration to follow.
“The Reapers”: Addresses existential themes with a mix of folk and rock elements, highlighting the band’s ability to blend lyrical depth with musical complexity.
“Joan in the Garden”: A sprawling, 19-minute track that serves as a testament to the band’s ambition and storytelling prowess.

As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again is a masterful album that encapsulates The Decemberists’ evolution over their 22-year career. It is both their longest album to date and arguably their most ambitious, blending old and new influences to create something profoundly resonant and timely. Fans of the band will appreciate the intricate narratives and musical craftsmanship, while new listeners will find much to admire in its accessibility and depth. Check out “Oh No!” Below:

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Chris Ryan

Chris Ryan is an accomplished promoter, event planner, producer, activist, counselor, poet and blogger. Within the course of two and a half years Chris Ryan has worked with some of NYC's most established promoters/event planners, been named 2007′s GaySocialite of the year, granted a promoter of the year award from NYC's most famous gay establishment, Splash. He's worked in some of NYC's top venues including; Avalon, Capitale, Cipriani, Cielo, Pacha, Element, Le Poisson Rouge, XL, G Lounge, Plumm, Hilton Hotel, Indigo Hotel, Spirit, Myst/Quo, Splash, The Ritz, Vlada, Roseland Ballroom, Heaven, etc. In 2008, Chris Ryan has begun to unveil some of the most innovative & unique parties New York City has ever seen. The Fusion events "fuse" together all disciplines of art into an event that remains diverse yet cohesive at the same time. ChrisRyanNYC.com won best gay promotions website from NYC Event Patrons in 2008 & he was granted an award from the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, Gov. Patterson & Michelle Clunie (QAF) saluting him for his hard work in nightlife. Chris Ryan has also begun working with many renown companies, including; doctors, lawyers, physicians, modeling agencies & more. Chris Ryan has been responsible for wide-scale promotions for all these companies & generating tremendous business. Chris Ryan has even started to become National with events taking place in LA & Miami this year. In May of 2009 Chris Ryan received the very prestigious honor of being named a "40 Under 40″ Gays in America by the Advocate Magazine. He also created three successful parties that generated over 1,500 patrons each. In January of 2010 Chris Ryan was featured as one of the top promoters to look out for in Noize Magazine Chris Ryan joined forces with legendary promoter/event producer, Lee Chappell and created one of the most talked about events of all 2010, Desire @ Capitale. Chris Ryan and Lee featured one of the most outstanding artists NYC has ever seen, "Oh Land." Her performance coupled with an exquisite and unforgettable set design added to this extravagant event that held over 1,000 patrons in one of NYC's most successful PRIDE events! Chris Ryan then joined forces with legendary Pacha promoter, Rob Fernandez in addition to Jake Resnicow and Tommy Marinelli to bring one of the largest and most successful parties worldwide to NYC, MATINEE. The event on Governor's Island saw over 2,000+ attendees and one of the most ambitious productions ever. In 2011 Chris Ryan started Emerge Music Promotions with business partner Darren Melchiorre. Emerge Music promotions began signing artists with plans to develop and market the artists to the community at large. Emerge Music promotions has big events planned for 2012 and 2013. Chris Ryan debuted the IMAGE events which took place on top of two of NYC's most beautiful rooftop venues, Rare View and Indigo Hotel. The events were blogged everywhere and featured the fashion designs of several clothing designers, artists and photographers. Chris Ryan felt that fashion and art should be displayed at every event and attracted the likes of Malan Breton, Calvin Klein and even Katy Perry. Chris Ryan began an extremely successful event which incorporated the concept of a house party into a nightclub atmosphere. The event Twist'D at G Lounge has been one of the most talked about events in NYC and allows it's audience to play nearly-naked Twister, beer pong, flip cup & more with other attendees. Chris Ryan was granted an excellence in volunteering award from AVP (Anti-Violence Project) for all his efforts in supporting the organization. 2013 has a very promising landscape on the horizon and Chris Ryan is complacent in saying "you haven't seen anything yet!"

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