The new EP, “Long Live the King,” from the band The Decemberists has a country/pop/folk sounding theme. So really, the new EP is typical The Decemberists. The six song album, to be released on November 1, 2011, is one of the band’s better efforts.
The Decemberists have a unique sound as it is. For those who are unfamiliar with the band, the show “Weeds” showcased their cover of the song, “Little Boxes,” during the introduction. “Long Live the King” features singer/songwriter Colin Meloy in his capricious vocal range that fans are familiar with.
Songs on “Long Live the King” range from “The Crane Wife” era to their previous EP, “Always the Bridesmaid.” However, there appears to be a little bit more country on “Long Live the King,” with songs such as “Foregone,” “Row Jimmy” and the upbeat backyard shindig, “I4U & U4ME.”
Overall, this is a nice six song EP following the LP release of “The King is Dead,” which dropped earlier this year. Meloy has said that the band would take a hiatus from touring following “The King is Dead” tour. It is quite possible that “Long Live the King” is a precursor to Meloy going back on his statement. Regardless if the band tours anytime soon, this new EP will satisfy any The Decemberists fan.