Indie songwriter better read than heard

The Mountain Goats’ latest release, “All Eternals Deck,” marks the band’s 14th studio album and its first season in North Carolina working with Merge Records (the label that released Arcade Fire’s Grammy-winning album “The Suburb,” among other influential artists).

Upon the initial sampling of The Mountain Goats, new listeners might find the distinct nasal qualities of John Darnielle’s singing rather unpalatable. Unfortunately for both the listener and the band, this obstacle presents a significant challenge in appreciating the expansive poetics of Darnielle’s acclaimed writing. (Among other praises, SPIN magazine just named Darnielle Indie Rock’s Greatest Lyricist.) 

While the music isn’t exactly sonically adventurous, the songs are almost always lyrically impressive by imparting stories that are detailed enough to be evocative, yet open enough for the listener to easily read themselves into. 

Tracks like “Damn These Vampires,” “Outer Scorpion Squadron” and “For Charles Bronson” are the most digestible, enjoyable and accessible pieces, while the up-tempo, punk-folk “Estate Sale Sign” and “Prowl Great Cain” are works that are simply better read than heard.