The folk-rock-prog-chamber-pop group the Decemberists have announced the name of their fifth studio album, and second on a major label, Hazards of Love. Following on from the critically adored 2005 album Picaresque and 2006's The Crane Wife, the album has currently started mixing and is slated for an early 2009 release.

Members of the Portland-based band, Colin Meloy, Chris Funk and Jenny Conlee, have also announced their intention to play at a benefit show in support of Oregonian Democratic Senatorial candidate Jeff Merkley.

The band is further contributing to the democratic process by taking part in the Ultimate College Bowl - a drive to increase voter registration amongst American college students. Decemberists lead-singer Colin Meloy is offering to play a solo show at which ever college has the highest percentage of its student body registered to vote in the elections this November.

The band will also undertake a regular American tour over the next couple of months, with no current plans to return to the UK.

Best Decememberists album???

Posted In Latest Music News, Oct 09 2008. Words - Josh