The Decemberists graced Cobb Great Hall’s stage at Michigan State University Dec. 12, despite front-man Colin Meloy mistakenly greeting the crowd as though they were at the University of Michigan. Meloy quickly recovered after the blunder as it only played into his comedic bantering throughout the show.

Ever improving and diverging from their folk-music roots, the Decemberists played a lively and energetic show, covering material from some early recordings but staying mostly within “The Crane Wife” and newer music. They played a couple songs from their series of singles entitled “Always the Bridesmaid.” The new music was a welcomed progression in beautiful story-driven tracks that still stay within the realm of the Decemberists’ style.

Meloy employed the use of crowd interaction throughout the night. Some songs allowed the crowd to sing-along and be active participants in the band’s music. Meloy even quieted his band down to allow everyone to sing a cappella in an interesting echo-like fashion, with Meloy leading the song.

The entire show ran an hour and a half and only included the Decemberists.  There wasn’t an opening band to listen to, which made the night unique and enjoyable, but seeing Portland-based chamber folk ensemble Loch Lommond, who is touring with the Decemberists on other dates, would have been interesting. The Decemberists still managed to captivate the audience the entire show with their own rendition of folk music.

The Decemberists made the night enjoyable to fans of their music, both new and old, although older songs could have made the show more memorable. Nonetheless, the show was inspiring and captivating look at what some of the upper east coast, intellectually stimulating efforts have produced.