The following correction appeared in the Guardian's Corrections and clarifications column, Thursday February 8 2007
In the review below we said the Decemberists sang songs about (among other things) "the lost childhoods of IRA killers". The Decemberists' song Shankill Butchers, to which this was a reference, is about a Loyalist murder gang, not a Republican one.
The Decemberists sing songs about rape, murder, the lost childhoods of IRA killers and the joys of chimney sweeping (one of their favourite subjects). Inspired by literature, the band have made telling stories within pop songs their stock in trade, and they are becoming enormously popular - their fans tonight sing along to complete tracks, faithfully reciting the words to the entire set.
Though frontman Colin Meloy has oodles of charisma and visual appeal here, his geeky glasses and tie give him the look of a deranged chemistry teacher - their appeal flows from the tunes. The band are supreme melodists, able to weave a magical tune within everything from old English folk to medieval prog to pseudo-disco. Several songs feature Smithsy tunes that Morrissey would kill for - upon which Meloy would no doubt pen another wonderful yarn about how Morrissey killed for his songs.
On stage, there is feverish activity. Even hardcore fans have difficulty tracking the Decemberists' ever-changing lineup - and a range of instruments are employed, from a glockenspiel to a gadget wound with a handle that makes an "ommmmm" sound.
With Meloy overseeing everything like an over-articulate conductor - even his banter includes the word "bovine" - cheers greet the anthemic Sons & Daughters and Eli, the Barrow Boy, a strangely happy sounding tale about two deceased lovers.
Announcing that he is still unsatisfied with the response, Meloy conducts an orchestra of audience "la-dee-dahs." Then he commands the band to go to sleep, and the audience to sit down in silence. As the song picks up again, everyone leaps into the air with almost religious joy.
· At Trent University, Nottingham tonight (box office: 0115-848 6200), then touring.
