The Decemberists are soon to release their junior album, entitled, 'Picaresque,' a title which reflects the CD beautifully. This quintet, (though they always seem to be adding and subtracting members) formed in 2001, launching off their 'youth and beauty brigade,' eager to spread their unique sound.

            Yielding from Portland, Oregon, this group is anything but your typical Northwest garage band. Led by steller singer Colin Meloy, their underground success is apparent by their large fan base, consisting mostly of college students of the higher intellect. Best described as 'indie shanty rock,' The Decemberists use everything from sitars to accordions to produce their soft tunes with an old-world feel. Each song is a story in itself, telling a tale that whisks you to a far-away place. Whether they're singing lightheartedly about Meloy's lack of athletic ability in 'The Sporting Life,' or shifting down the mood with 'On the Bus Mall,' a love ballad about two runaways, 'Picaresque' manages to keep you captivated and always wanting more.

            The Decemberist's first two albums, 'Castaways and Cutouts' (2003) and 'Her Majesty, The Decemberists' (2003) were genius in their own respect. 'Picaresque' continues this trend, matching, if not surpassing, the caliber of the previous two records. They undergo a maturity shift in this album, incorporating more complicated riffs, matched by equally complex lyrics. This could be credited to a recent shift in members, losing possibly the best female drummer out there right now, Rachel Blumberg, for the talented John Moen (formally of  the Minus Five, the Maroons, and Steve Malkmus and the Jicks). Blumberg's drumming abilities, as well as intriguing vocals, will be missed, but another talented woman is gracing the group with her skills. Petra Haden, formally of The Rentals, will contribute her voice and violin to the upcoming album.

            Picaresque, which will be released on March 22^nd, is worth taking a chance on. While it is extremely different from the mainstream alt/punk/emo scene currently floating around, it is a refreshing change, chock full of intelligent lyrics about quirky scenarios in lieu of mindless rhymes about teenage angst. Whether burned, borrowed, or bought, (preferably the latter of the three) 'Picaresque' is something to hear. It's highlights include an eight and a half minute revenge song about a young man avenging his mother's death with a Moby Dick-esque twist , a catchy tune, 'Sixteen Military Wives,' that is a counting spell of America's foreign policy, and 'Espionage,' a mysterious tale in which the protagonist has fallen for a beautiful spy. The only downside is that though songs are long, it only consists of 11 tracks, which leaves you pining for more. If you enjoy the album, look out for a show near you on the 'Advance of the Picaroons Tour, Part One and Two' this spring, and don't be afraid to be swept into 'the youth and beauty brigade' yourself.