After all the talk by frontman Colin Meloy about the album's content, who called the album "mossy and evil", it must be a relief to fans that The Hazards of Love does not deviate too much from the usual Decemberists sound. Yes, it has the thunderous, metal inspired "The Queen's Rebuke/The Crossing, or the bluesy "Repaid" of "The Wanting Comes in Waves/Repaid". But those are strategically countered by the elegant "The Hazards of Love 1" and the beautifully simple "An Interlude". Also, the much harked about storyline about a shape-shifting animal, his lover, the evil queen, and a sadistic rake doesn't overshadow the music, nor does it become too direct. For the most part, the story is conveniently vague, which leaves a lot up to the imagination of the listener. Though the album isn't quite as impressive as The Crane Wife, it is a thrilling, challenging, and epic addition to a great band's catalogue, who continue to expand their musical reach. Hopefully they won't stop reaching soon.
4 STARS
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