When a band really strikes a nerve with me, I tend to become somewhat addicted to that particular band as a means to really indulge into their core. My current addiction is Death Cab for Cutie. I have to admit I am a late bloomer when it comes to this band and have been hip to them for quite some time, but never really gave them a full listening to, until a viewing of their documentary, Drive Well, Sleep Carefully. Whoa! Theses guys fucking rock! For some reason I had this stigma that their music was a bit “soft” and “nerdy”, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Well, at least the “soft” part.

I have always been a sucker for big chords. The opening chords to “The New Year”, off Death Cab’s breakthrough album Transatlanticism, hits like a lead fist. It is an extremely effective way to open an album, which proves to be true with their newest album, Narrow Stairs, as well. Opening track, “Bixby Canyon Bridge”, swoons with a harmless melody and some tender tones only to be blown wide open with densest of fuzz and dirt in the chorus.

Chris Walla, the bands lead guitarist, who also serves as their producer on their albums, is the quite genius of the band. While Ben Gibbard’s (lead vocals/guitar) songwriting may seem to be the leading factor to Death Cab’s sound, Walla’s production gives the bands sound it’s distinction. Each album has an unequivocal quirk, fitting for the curious band on hand. “Title and Registration”, off of Transatlanticism, is a prime example of Walla’s imaginative approach to production. The drum tones, mostly the snare, are hardly distinguishable as natural and stay that way through out the tune. As the song progresses the layering of guitars and subtle ambient undertones leads to it’s culmination. The delicate naunce’s that Walla sprinkles on these tunes is a large part of what sucks me into their music.

Death Cab for Cutie is a band of the ages. From it’s modest beginnings to it’s largely commercial success, they have kept it real. I think there is a lot more to come from this band and I am looking forward to every bit of it. Check these guys out! Start with Transatlanticism and go from there.

Tags: Death Cab for Cutie

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