Yes, Portland folk-rockers The Decemberists are coming through town … again. But for the first time in a few long years, Colin Meloy and company aren’t backing 2009’s atrocious The Hazards of Love. (Hallelujah!) Whereas that 17-part rock opera was missing even one memorable song, the band’s latest – last month’s Billboard chart-topping The King Is Dead – acts as a redemption story. Full of rootsy, honky-tonk stompers like “All Arise!” and reliable R.E.M. imitations such as “Don’t Carry It All” and lead single “Down by the Water,” it’s fair to say The Decemberists have their groove back. BRYDEN MCGRATH

Fri., Feb. 18, 8 p.m., 2011