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9.0
137978
9.0 |
musicOMH
Even at this stage of their career, where they can comfortably be described as veterans, Colin Meloy and co still have the power to enchant and inspire
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8.0
137968
8.0 |
Paste Magazine
The Portland band’s ninth album features Colin Meloy’s sharpest songwriting in more than a decade
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8.0
137969
8.0 |
Sputnik Music (staff)
As such, not much of the sonic territory meandered upon here is particularly new for the band, but they manage to provide highly satisfying renditions of many of the styles they’ve explored over the years. As such, this latest album feels like a rather comfortable, but nonetheless impressive, addition to the canon
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8.0
137970
8.0 |
Uncut
The finished work is a smorgasbord of all of their best bits. Print edition only
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7.2
138028
7.2 |
Pitchfork
On their first new album in six years, the folk troubadours balance out-of-time balladry with a mature sensibility that’s attuned to melancholy and mortality in the present
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7.0
137993
7.0 |
Exclaim
The record marries the past and the present, telling historical tales through modern storytelling methods and borrowing from country, pop and vintage rock
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7.0
137973
7.0 |
Spectrum Culture
As It Ever Was is as close to a return-to-form as you’d expect
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6.7
138042
6.7 |
Spin
At over 19 minutes, “Joan” is adventurous and engrossing, and a much-needed exclamation point on an album that sounds good but lacks direction—unless you count “Guess we’d better make another Decemberists album” as a direction
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6.0
137971
6.0 |
Mojo
Their ninth record proves their distinctive spirit is still unbroken. The mood is knowingly mordant. Print edition only
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