The Decemberists – What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World

The Decemberists have long since ascended to indie rock royalty despite a history of prog influences and obtuse lyrics – usually anathema to the mainstream. That changed with the more linear approach of 2011’s The King is Dead, and What a Terrible World... is a further step into the middle of the road.

You could take this move one of two ways. The first is to enjoy it for what it is – a coherent, mostly engaging, albeit slightly overlong piece of work. Colin Meloy’s harmonising with Jenny Conlee on Make You Better ranks with the band’s most captivating work, while liberal dashes of brass and strings see to it that the likes of Cavalry Captain soars.

The second is to lament the smoothing of the edges of one of America's finest bands of the last 20 years. There’s much to be said for growing old gracefully, but beyond the exuberant charm of Better Not Wake the Baby, true thrills are often in short supply.