Long before Colin Meloy fronted baroque pop outfit the Decemberists, he used to sing and play in an alt country band. This may explain the twangy vestige of pedal steel, but other instruments such as theremin, piano and accordion make their way into the mix. Meloy's degree that he earned in Creative Writing is another weapon in the songwriting alchemy of this band, as he has been known to pen some gripping narratives in the lyrics of the Decemberists.