The Decemberists

On Sunday Katie and I drove down to Melbourne, and met Melissa for a dinner of dumplings in Chinatown. Katie and I arrived into the stepped interior of Billboard for the start of Bridezilla - a band who looks like they met at band during high school, and have kept at it!

The crowd swelled as the opening act ended their set, and the anticipation filled the venue. The Decemberists arrived on stage, with Colin Meloy beginning an awesome engagement with the audience. About 3 songs in, they intro-ed their song about infanticide, The Rake's Song, and the way the sound then focused on Colin's voice built the drama of the song perfectly. Explaining that whilst they had be playing gigs of their 2009 album The Hazards of Love, from start to finish all year, they were not doing that in Australia, as this was their first time out. Launching into Annan Water, he made the comment that this was the first occasion they had played it live, out of context.

For 16 Military Wives, Colin divided the crowd into two, and set us off to harmonise. The surprisingly older crowd showed new fans of the band that The Decemberists have indeed been around for quite some time, and have a huge fan base.

Playing The Crane Wife 1&2 followed by 3, the storytelling of Colin's lyrics shone through. He chatted to the crowd, made jokes, and laughed down heckles, and then introduced the story behind O Valencia! Such a range of instruments on stage, including the bango and the hurdy gurdy.

A cover for the start of the encore, they finished with Sons & Daughters, with Colin working hard on the aim of having the final phrase resonating in every attendees head, till at least morning...

Here all the bombs fade away....
Here all the bombs fade away....
Here all the bombs fade away....

A gig that I so didn't want to end, cos they were so very good, I clearly wasn't the only one with that thought, with the room cheering the band back on stage for a second encore for a final song. A fun, crazy storytelling Mariner's Revenge Song finished the evening, complete with crowd participation. A fest of fun, great music - words can't actually describe how good they were!