Arts concert review

The Decemberists visit Boston in October

The Decemberists, a nautical indie band, brings folk back to Beantown

By Lila Jansen Oct. 11, 2018

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The Decemberists perform at the Orpheum Theater on Oct. 8 as part of their YOUR GIRL/YOUR GHOST Tour.
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Marissa Nadler, opening for The Decemberists, performs at the Orpheum Theater Oct. 8.
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A laughing skull acts as a backdrop for The Decemberists's stage at their concert at the Orpheum Theater Oct. 8.
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A whale takes center stage during The Decemberists's performance of "The Mariner's Revenge Song" at the Orpheum Theater on Oct. 8.
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The Decemberists's frontman Colin Meloy performs at the Orpheum Theater Oct. 8.
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Kelly Hogan, touring member of The Decemberists, performs at the Orpheum Theater Oct. 8.
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A whale takes center stage during The Decemberists's performance of "The Mariner's Revenge Song" at the Orpheum Theater Oct. 8.
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The Decemberists's frontman Colin Meloy performs at the Orpheum Theater Oct. 8.
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Kelly Hogan, touring member of The Decemberists, performs at the Orpheum Theater Oct. 8.
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The Decemberists perform at the Orpheum Theater Oct. 8 as part of their YOUR GIRL/YOUR GHOST Tour.
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Marissa Nadler, opening for The Decemberists, performs at the Orpheum Theater Oct. 8.
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The Decemberists
Orpheum Theatre
Oct. 8, 2018

After attending my first Decemberists concert as a high school senior in 2015, it was only fitting that four years later, as a college senior, I would make my way back to one of their shows. The Decemberists concert at Orpheum Theatre this past Friday didn’t have your typical rowdy concert crowd. One of the most endearing aspects of The Decemberists is their multi-generational, devotional, and slightly nerdy fan base. It is this group of fans that allows the band to create cheesy but fun audience participation-based songs and acts, a feat that sets them apart from most other bands and performers.

Not only do The Decemberists have support from their devoted fans to create a relaxed and friendly concert ambiance, but their incredibly novel and spirited music also brings continual enthusiasm to the crowd. Their style can be described as hipster, indie rock — nautical folk. They combine instruments ranging everywhere from synthesized organs and accordion to cello and electric guitar, making music that is anything but typical, but is exactly what you would expect from a band based out of Portland, Oregon. Like the music, the band itself gives off an eclectic, hipster vibe. Colin Meloy, the lead singer and songwriter has a classic hipster beard, and pelts out song after song filled with funky and surprising lyrics, and traverses the stage acting out the assortment of odd characters depicted in his music. His voice is strong and distinct, and the voices of the female backups, Jenny Conlee and Kelly Hogan (on tour only), are equally strong.

The apex of the show was the performance of their throwback hit, “The Mariner’s Revenge Song.” This song was the ultimate campy sing-along, in which a giant blow up whale was sent into the theatre, and the audience was instructed to scream in terror at key moments throughout the song. It was this immersive fun experience that brings so much joy and heart to the concert, and makes The Decemberists the perfect fairytale folk music that allows adults to feel once more the joys of childhood.

All in all, I would recommend The Decemberists to anyone looking for a fun night and a chance to escape to the folklore childhood concerts of their past as an adult. While it might not be your typical style, it will definitely be something new, and you will definitely leave with a happy heart and filled spirit.