Photo Credit: Shervin Lainez

The Decemberists have released “Oh No!,” the fourth single preceding the release of the folk-rock ensemble’s ninth studio album As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again, out June 14 via YABB Records and Thirty Tigers. “Oh No!” follows “Burial Ground,” “Joan In The Garden” and “All I Want Is You,” all of which arrive as the fruit of the band’s post-hiatus revival. This dazzling array of preview cuts flaunts the group’s two decades of creative collaboration, now returning to the alternative rock space with a sonic vengeance and renewed artistic drive.

According to lyricist, singer and guitarist Colin Meloy, “Oh No!” is “about causing havoc, causing chaos,” and following a “darkness you can dance to.” In this regard, Meloy explains, the song marks a collective rebirth for the group—which includes Nate Query, Jenny Conlee, Chris Funk and John Moen—and serves as a testament to changing global tides. The track’s dynamic tempo, paired with the band’s trademark poignant lyricism, make for a musically complex, yet emotionally accessible narrative arc. 

Produced by Meloy in partnership with longtime collaborator Tucker Martine, As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again teems with star power, featuring cameos from James Mercer of The Shins and Mike Mills of REM. This release also carries a lot of personal weight for The Decemberists—As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again is not only the first record to follow the band’s six-year hiatus, but also a double album, intentionally divided into four thematic sides. In its layered harmonies and compelling story, “Oh No!’ encapsulates the spirit of collaboration, renewal and communal joy that colors the entire project.

As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again is set to premiere between legs of The Decemberists’ spring and summer tour dates alongside The Head And The Heart and Ratboys. While traveling across North America, the band will stop at notable venues like The Salt Shed in Chicago on May 21 and Nashville, Tenn.’s Ryman Auditorium on May 24. The Decemberists will also venture north to Canada and across the pond to England, with shows at Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre on July 29 and London’s All Points East on Aug. 25. Between international adventures, the ensemble will perform a solo hometown show at Troutdale, Ore.’s McMenamins Edgefield on Aug. 3.

“Oh No!” is available on all streaming now. Fans can pre-order As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again here. For tour dates, tickets and more information on the band, visit  decemberists.com/tour 

Read on for the complete list of The Decemberists’ 2024 tour dates.

The Decemberists 2024 Summer Tour Dates:
May 15 – Bass Concert Hall – Austin, Texas^^
May 17 – The Pageant – St. Louis, Mo.^^
May 18 – Riverside Theater –  Milwaukee^^
May 19 – Palace Theatre – St. Paul, Minn.^^
May 21 – The Salt Shed – Chicago^^
May 22 – Royal Oak Music Theater – Detroit^^
May 23 – Rock the Ruins – Indianapolis^^
May 24 – Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, Tenn.^^
July 12 – Hayden Homes Amphitheater – Bend, Ore.^
July 13 – Fox Theater – Oakland, Calif.^^
July 14 – The Bellwether – Los Angeles^^
July 15 – The Bellwether – Los Angeles^^
July 18 – Humphrey’s – San Diego^^
July 19 – Rialto Theater – Tucson, Ariz.^^
July 20 – The Van Buren – Phoenix^^
July 22 – The Bridge at Santa Fe Brewing – Santa Fe, N.M.^^
July 23 – The Mission Ballroom – Denver^^
July 24 – Sandy Amphitheater – Sandy, Utah.^^
July 26 –  Kettlehouse Amphitheater – Missoula, Mont.^^
July 27 –  Spokane Pavilion – Spokane, Wash.^^
July 29 – Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Vancouver, British Columbia.^^
July 31 – Woodland Park Zoo Amphitheatre – Seattle
Aug. 1 – Woodland Park Zoo Amphitheatre – Seattle
Aug. 2 – Mount Baker Theatre – Bellingham, Wash.^^
Aug. 3 – McMenamins Edgefield – Troutdale, Ore.
Aug. 25 –  All Points East – London, England^^
w/ The Head And The Heart ^
-w/ Ratboys ^^