The Decemberists
The Tain

LA RECENSIONE

"The Tain" is a 2004 EP in the indie/prog genre, with folk sounds. This little gem, easy to listen to yet very classy, encloses 18 minutes of authentic and emotional music. It's one of those records that's hard to stop once it starts and is the Decemberists' work I prefer, although, inexplicably to me, one of the most underrated and overlooked by the group. A serious and cohesive album, capable of reaching notable heights of suggestion, it gives me a sense of genuineness and freshness that others do not, while also indulging much less in banal pop sounds.
Aided by a rich instrumentation (electric and acoustic guitars, accordion, drums, bass, piano, Hammond organ, mandolin, double bass, choirs, percussion, and various bells), this suite in 5 movements offers a wide range of scenarios, all reconstructed with great care and sensitivity.

In short, the first movement is a slow 3/4 in a decadent style; the second is an epic gallop of atypical blues-rock with slight Indian-style vocal modulations; the third is a resigned slow ballad that ventures into greater emotional surges, aided by the inclusion of the bowed double bass in the arrangement and a moving bridge; the fourth, the most sophisticated, is a fairytale waltz on hallucinogens with accordion and mandolin making everything exotic; the fifth movement returns to more rock sounds, with a "hiccup" start and immediately after with the by far most touching part of the record, led by Colin Meloy's beautiful voice and bell-like piano chimes over a languid arrangement with choirs and organ.

Despite the five movements and the myriad of recognizable genres and styles, from folk atmospheres to ballads, ramshackle waltzes, atypical blues, sometimes languid sometimes epic rock, their sound always remains distinctive and the composition almost never loses a moment of cohesion and brilliance, making its 18 minutes seem like 6-7. This is due, in addition to a wise and elegant use of the various instruments (never a given, especially with an arsenal like theirs), adding solidity and seriousness to the whole, also to a gripping composition, never banal or boring. Even the fantasy and grace in the arrangements are noteworthy, even if discontinuous along the track; they are as light to listen to as they are eclectic and sophisticated in the compositional process. Proving organizational care, listening will never give a sense of complexity/pompousness, on the contrary, everything will appear natural, flowing, without "forcing".
An interesting feature of the Decemberists' music is the instrumental component that perfectly combines with the singer's distinctive bright and very "indie" voice (which is always an integral part of the varied harmonies/melodies), creating a tonal contrast that adds something extra to the sound.
Lastly, it should be said that the concepts present are not particularly complex or significant; in fact, it is quite an immediate listen, but the aesthetic genuineness and eclecticism place them on a decidedly higher plane. In short, it's an album that rather than explained should be listened to.