Listen: Typhoon - "Dreams of Cannibalism"

It sure has been awhile since we've heard from Portland folk outfit Typhoon! Since dropping the first single for the upcoming album White Lighter way back in October, the twelvesome have remained pretty quiet. That's all over now, hopefully, as their brand new single "Dreams of Cannibalism" comes with the much anticipated album release announcement.

Whereas "Common Sentiments" sort of hinted at more of the same wholesome Typhoon goodness, "Dreams of Cannibalism" quickly debunks that assumption. Featuring The Decemberists' Chris Funk on lap steel, "Dreams of Cannibalism" is far more than your standard Typhoon track. The minimal use of its plentiful members and emotional life-affirming lyrics aside, "Dreams of Cannibalism" is a equal parts a step into previously untread territory from the band as the rather darker-tinged track consistently changes form. Leftovers from Typhoon past are here to stay however, there's the rather hopeful gleam that manages to slip out regardless of how lyrically murky the the track gets as well as the buoyant brass that's virtually a staple of any truly great Typhoon song. "Dreams of Cannibalism" essentially sets up White Lighter as album sure to full of surprises.



Typhoon's much-awaited upcoming full length album White Lighter will be out August 20th on Roll Call Records.

The Decemberists - The King Is Dead (2011)

Occasionally I run into a band that is talked about so favorably that I kind of put them to the side. Unfortunately, one of those bands was The Decemberists. I actually remember watching the video for "The Mariner's Revenge Song" and being really awestruck but for some reason, nothing actually came of it. So when NPR put up their latest album The King is Dead for streaming, I jumped at the opportunity to actually listen to it before I forgot. I can't say too much about how it stacks up to their previous works but I instantly understood why people liked the band less than halfway through first track "Don't Carry It All". After all, its virtually impossible to dislike anything with aptly played harmonica solos which can actually be found practically all throughout the album. Channeling part American roots music (particularly in songs "Rox In The Box" and "All Arise!") and something more rock-like, the album is melodically driven to an almost surprising degree. There is never more than one voice in the spotlight. Whether that be Colin Meloy's vocals, Jenny Conlee's accordion, the aforementioned harmonica solos, or even a little fiddle. I shouldn't be surprised that The Decemberists can combined folksy acoustics with dazzling rock grooves and such into a cohesive album, and yet I am. "This Is Why We Fight" and "Down By The Water" are probably the most "contemporary" and multi-layered tracks on the album and yet fit seamlessly with the more sparse, acoustic-based tracks on the album. Color me impressed. With the catchy memorability resulting from the melodic focus I know I won't forget about The Decemberists ever again.

Give The King Is Dead a listen at NPR here.