Album Review: “All Eternals Deck” by The Mountain Goats
By Kelly Ryan
The Mountain Goats’ albums are typically perilous rollercoaster rides of emotional highs and lows, and All Eternals Deck is no exception. The Mountain Goats front man and core member, John Darnielle, created a record that he said is reminiscent of a “70s occult scare movie where a couple of people are visiting a storefront fortune teller getting their cards read. They are trying to be hopeful about the future, but are visibly shaking with utter dread.” All Eternals Deck may not embody this scare movie image upon first listen, but by delving deeper into the lyrics and getting lost in some of the more jarring songs it is possible to shed light on this fortune teller scene.
The album ranges from uplifting songs such as the barbershop quartet-esque “High Hawk Season” and the enthusiastic ”Birth of Serpents” to the down right creepy “Autopsy Garland” and the explosive “ Estate Sale Sign.” This is what keeps the album engaging. Upon reaching a safe haven with the eerily soothing strings of “Age of Kings,” the listener is immediately jarred into uncertainty by “Autopsy Garland,” which leaves the listener wondering why “You don’t want to see these guys without their masks on.” Darnielle obviously did not want his audience to become too comfortable while listening to All Eternals Deck.
However, do not be deterred by the uncomfortable nature of All Eternals Deck, this album will not leave its listeners ill at ease. John Darnielle’s lyrics contain visceral imagery, raw wit, and poignant beauty that make this record quite captivating. Especially, when backed by stellar bassist Peter Hughes and incredibly solid drummer Jon Wurster. All together The Mountain Goats are a potent group of musicians. This is an ideal album to start with if are a Mountain Goats novice. If this record entices you, then I encourage you to dig even deeper into the angsty, unrefined quality of earlier tunes by The Mountain Goats. I challenge you to give this album a couple of listens, it may surprise you, and if not, it is free.
The album is available in its entirety from now until its release on March 29, 2011 on NPR’s First Listen
