Borrowed instruments, a sound all their own

The Decemberists often evoke the olde tyme world of British tall ships, with songs about vengeful mariners and left-behind lovers. Unfortunately, the universe took that a bit too literally earlier this month, when landlubber pirates hijacked the trailer containing the Portland, Ore.-based group’s instruments. Nevertheless, leader Colin Meloy and his cohorts sailed breezily through their sold-out show Thursday at the Henry Fonda Theatre.

This theatrical band has a deep Anglophile streak, not to mention a serious intellectual bent, drawing from ancient British folk and Irish poetry.

Yet Meloy threads contemporary themes into such playfully erudite tunes as “16 Military Wives,” and the music frequently recalls such modern U.K. pop acts as Belle & Sebastian and XTC, as well as American icons R.E.M.

The bookishly charismatic singer adeptly wielded his 12-string guitar and harmonized with Los Angeles musician Petra Haden, who joined the five Decemberists on violin and contributed a breathtaking rendition of Kate Bush’s challenging ballad “Wuthering Heights.”

Dressed in khaki outfits reminiscent of bygone military uniforms, the players expertly clanged away on their borrowed guitars, accordion, keyboards, bass and drums, shifting smoothly from buoyancy to poignancy. The crowd followed every move, loudly singing along and heartily participating when asked to stomp in time throughout “Los Angeles, I’m Yours.”

The Decemberists have increasingly balanced quirkier interests with broader pop appeal, and the live show zeroed in on their best features -- melodic, smart pop, stellar musicianship, a wry viewpoint and wickedly morbid humor.

Although it had clear predecessors, this group was never merely a copycat, but instead an exciting new twist on the timeless blend of folk and rock.

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The Decemberists

Where: Glass House, 200 W. 2nd St., Pomona

When: 7 tonight

Price: $12

Contact: (909) 629-0377