The Decemberists release new song for Wildwood film adaptation

The Decemberists have released “The Better Part of Bravery,” their first new song in over two years. The folk-rock track was written for the soundtrack of the upcoming stop-motion animated film Wildwood, which is based on the fantasy novel series by band frontman Colin Meloy.

Meloy described the songwriting process as a creative collaboration with director Travis Knight. The Wildwood soundtrack, which includes the original score by Dario Marianelli, is available now via Decca. A second album, The Wildwood Sessions, featuring music from various Portland-based artists, is scheduled for release next week.

The film Wildwood features a voice cast including Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, and Tom Waits. It is set to hit theaters on October 23.