- This article is about the indie rock band The Decemberists. See Decembrist Revolt for the failed revolt against Tsar Nicholas I of Russia in December 1825.
The Decemberists are an indie rock band from Portland, Oregon. Melodically, their songs range from catchy pop to slower, instrumentally lush arrangements. In their lyrics, they eschew the angst and introspection common to modern rock, instead favoring a storytelling approach with lines like "My mother was a Chinese trapeze artist / In pre-war Paris / Smuggling bombs for the underground" (from "My Mother Was a Chinese Trapeze Artist", on 5 Songs) and "I'm really sorry Steven / but your bicycle's been stolen" (from "Apology Song", on 5 Songs). Their songs convey tales ranging from whimsical to epic to truly dark.
While they boast a genuinely original sound (which often features the accordion), their demeanor and approach often finds The Decemberists compared to Neutral Milk Hotel.
Band Members
- Colin Meloy, lead singer and songwriter
- Chris Funk
- Jenny Conlee
- Nate Query
- Petra Haden (violin, vocals)
- John Moen
- Rachel Blumberg (former member)
- Jesse Emerson (former member)
Discography
External links