When bands incessantly choose to do their own thing on each new album, without bending or conforming to a customary formula, they generally fail and wind up in a ‘Rite Price’ bin at Big W. For some reason though, the Decemberists continually fight the norm with a righteous cause and confidence, only to keep striking that dearly sought after golden musical nugget. Fans of the back catalogue will no doubt love this fifth offering; people keen to climb aboard the ye olde Decemberists ship however, will more than likely just not get it. Their music requires time, patience, and a mind so open you could perform a lobotomy wearing baseball gloves.

 

The Hazards of Love seems fairly far removed from the sea shanties and war ballads of previous albums. However, it remains true to those quirky, make-believe Decemberists themes that whisk the listener away to a time that almost certainly never existed outside of their vintage Hi-Fi (or iPod). Each of the 17 tracks flow gracefully into one another, telling a dark and complex love story that requires footnotes to comprehend. (Thirty more listens and I’m sure I’ll get it.) Individually however, the songs do stand alone brilliantly, and it won’t take long for you to eventually single out your favourite ditties. 

 

The Decemberists may not be popular or conventional, but the few fans that follow them, will follow them anywhere. All six of us. - Doug