The Decemberists brought their new synth-heavy sound to Corona Theatre (photos & setlist)

The Decemberists
Corona Theatre
May 28, 2018

Indie rock vets The Decemberists switched things up quite a bit on their latest LP, 2018’s I’ll Be Your Girl. Their folksy, baroque pop sound has been expanded to a synth-heavy take on bands like New Order and Depeche Mode, a refreshing change of pace for a beloved band that has been around for nearly two decades at this point.

The played nearly the entirety of the new album at their show at Corona Theatre show in Montreal this week, while dipping back into cuts from throughout their catalogue, including a number of songs off 2006’s fan-favourite The Crane Wife. They closed their set in grandiose fashion with the epic “The Mariner’s Revenge Song.” which featured a giant inflatable whale floating above the audience, a fun arena-rock play for a band that otherwise eschews any of those conventions.

Below you can check out the setlist and photos from the night, including opener Eleanor Friedberger, courtesy of Eva Blue. For all upcoming tour dates, visit the band’s official site.

The Decemberists

Eleanor Friedberger

The Decemberists setlist

Once In My Life / Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want
(The Smiths cover)
Your Ghost
Sucker’s Prayer
Make You Better
Cutting Stone
Shankill Butchers
Yankee Bayonet (I Will Be Home Then)
The Bagman’s Gambit
Red Right Ankle
Everything is Awful
Rox in the Box
(with “Blackleg Miner” interlude)
Down by the Water
Starwatcher
The Rake’s Song
Severed
We All Die Young
O Valencia!
(with “Dracula’s Daughter” interlude)
Sons & Daughters

Encore:
Rusalka, Rusalka / Wild Rushes
Ben Franklin’s Song
I’ll Be Your Girl

Encore 2:
The Mariner’s Revenge Song