The Decemberists know that the psychology of a culture at war is complex; that historical archetypes can inform the masses on current events far better than the evening news; and that life is ultimately a spectacular and colorful pageant.
Their first new music in six years, "Burial Ground." Already a fan-favorite after being debuted live last year, their latest takes the overt fatalism of I'll Be Your Girl and infuses it with the jangle-pop of The Dentists and harmonies of The Beach Boys.