John Darnielle is one of the most imaginative lyricists of his generation. Since he pressed record for the first time – more than a decade ago – skewed characters, vibrant images and perfectly-framed narratives have flowed in their hundreds.

But it wasn’t until The Mountain Goats’ 2004 album “We Shall All Be Healed” that he became well known to Australian audiences through such triple j favourites such as “Palmcorder Yajna” and “Letter From Belgium”.

His new album, “The Sunset Tree”, the most coherent and richly rewarding album in The Mountain Goats wildly extensive discography is a darker record, but also far from a bleak one. Crucially, Darnielle garlands his darkest experiences with some of his sunniest melodies. triple j favourite “Dance Music” is as jaunty as it is brief, skipping along hand in hand with a playful piano part that offers an impossible counterpoint to the unblinking honesty of the lyrics. And current single “This Year” borders on the anthemic, its swaying confidence in telling contrast to the backhanded bravado of the refrain : “I’m going to make it through this year, if it kills me.”

The Mountain Goats “The Sunset Tree” & “We Shall All Be Healed” are out on 4AD through Remote Control Records.

Dates Played

BRISBANE
When: Sat 10-09-05
Where: The Zoo

MELBOURNE
When: Sun 11-09-05
Where: Northcote Social Club

MELBOURNE
When: Tue 13-09-05
Where: Manchester Lane

SYDNEY
When: Wed 14-09-05
Where: @Newtown

ADELAIDE
When: Thu 15-09-05
Where: Jive

PERTH
When: Fri 16-09-05
Where: Rosemount Hotel