Hailing from Portland, Oregon, The Decemberists bring their quirky indie folk-rock sound to Stage AE on Saturday 8th April as they embark on their Spring Tour with Julien Baker. Well-known for their diverse and varied live shows, The Decemberists often ask for audience involvement in their performances – so come join in!

Formed in 2000, the band have since gone on to release multiple studio albums to critical acclaim and to support for acts such as Bob Dylan. Using a wide variety of instruments from the accordion, violin and double bass to the Hammond organ, with their songs ranging from mournful guitar ballads to powerfully heartfelt fiddle-driven folk sing-alongs, The Decemberist's sound is eclectic to say the least. One thing they can be certainly be counted to deliver continuously upon is their lyrical content, delivered for the most part with rich harmonies abound. Unusually for a modern indie band, The Decemberists avoid directly personal take on songwriting and instead take a storytelling approach, drawing from historical events, cultural myths, legends and folklore to paint a picture in the mind of the listener.

Julien Baker, playing in support, is a singer-songwriter with her origins in Memphis, Tennessee. Aged 18, she self-released an EP in 2014 on Bandcamp, which later grew into her first studio album, Sprained Ankle. Queer, Christian, and proud, Julien is outspoken on social media, and her deeply personal songs reflect upon her experiences with religion, sexuality and substance abuse. Centred around minimalist layered, echoing guitar rhythms and melodies, her vocal delivery ranges from close, soft and hopeful through to rough, unapologetic howls of anguish and self-loathing.

Together, these acts are bound to make for an evening to remember. Book your tickets to see The Decemberists and Julien Baker now.