The Decemberists – ‘O Valencia!’ (Rough Trade) Released 26/02/07

The Decemberists have created a modern day Romeo and Juliet, minus Leonardo DiCaprio of course through ‘O Valencia!’. A tragic love story throughout with a compelling narrative lyric that resists the ever present urge to slip into despondent melancholy, the five piece indie-pop combo instead opt for an upbeat musicality that focuses on a love enjoyed rather than a future lost. Their use of soft acoustic musicality, coated with emotive piano and a personalised believable vocal that is sure to tug at even the most cynical of heart strings when the final shot rings out. It’s a cracking number and one that cements their place in music for 2007.