Decemberists feel better listening to Wildwood
When the Decemberists step back into the woods with their new track, “The Better Part of Bravery,” they are not just releasing a song—they are closing a literary and cinematic circle. This fresh piece of music serves as the perfect, haunting coda for Wildwood, the upcoming stop-motion fantasy film from LAIKA.
The timing is especially poignant, as the song was written specifically for the film, appearing on the original motion picture soundtrack now available via Decca Records. It marks the band’s first new music in more than two years, adding a new, evocative layer to a story already deeply rooted in mythology.
For frontman Colin Meloy, the release is a full-circle moment. The story of Wildwood began on the page in his own best-selling novel, which debuted in 2011 and was beautifully illustrated by his wife, acclaimed artist Carson Ellis. That novel launched the sprawling Wildwood Chronicles, a fantasy rooted in the folklore and natural world fascination that has long informed the band’s distinctive sound.
Meloy shared how meaningful it was to write the song for the end credits. “There’s something particularly meaningful about having music accompany the audience as they leave the forest and the story comes to a close,” he noted, reflecting on the experience of transforming his personal narrative into visual art.
The film itself, directed by Travis Knight, brings the world of Wildwood to the screen with a stellar voice cast, including Peyton Elizabeth Lee and Jacob Tremblay, alongside contributions from talents like Carey Mulligan and Mahershala Ali.
Beyond the film, the universe continues to expand. W.W. Norton is preparing to publish a new illustrated duology, Heir to Magic, featuring Meloy and Ellis. This new installment reimagines Arthurian legend, beginning with the installment Mordred Rex, where a new, sorcery-trained hero rises against the forces of darkness.
The connection between the band’s music, Meloy’s writing, and the visual media proves that stories, whether woven through poetry, folklore, or animation, have an enduring power. As the Wildwood story unfolds both on screen and on the page, the soundtrack ensures that the magic continues long after the credits roll.
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