Colin Meloy has slowly been edging his way toward becoming the face of The Decemberists, and Picaresque finds the front man often taking center stage, even practically fly solo on a few tracks. His nasal croon has never sounded so comfortable as it does here, while the band ushers its seafaring shtick into the present. Picaresque sounds like a chamber pop variety pack, with The Decemberists' trademark storytelling folk ballads, light pop and British inflection forming their strongest LP to date. And, the vinyl adds five songs, including the gorgeous "Kingdoms of Spain."

Opening with the thunderous "The Infanta," the album immediately sounds fuller than anything they've done prior. While the Portland, OR outfit still displays its love for all things twee throughout this record, several epic songs clock in well over the five minute mark. Tracks like "The Mariner's Revenge Song" and "The Bagman's Gambit" could easily be considered self indulgent if they didn't end up being highlights of an already varied, challenging record. And single-ready songs like "The Engine Driver," "16 Military Wives," "The Sporting Life" and "We Both Go Down Together" ensure the eventual elevation of Picaresque to classic status. On repeated listens, it becomes apparent that Meloy has finally found the voice of The Decemberists.