Death Cab For Cutie - Codes and Keys

Death Cab For Cutie - Bellingham, WA indie-rock quartet founded by Ben Gibbard in 1997 follow up their well received 2008 album Narrow Stairs with a project they told us would be more "synths and reverb" focused -- and they didn't let us down...guitarist producer Chris Walla helps shift the band into new aural territory saying "it just seemed like a good time to not make a really guitar-centric, guitar-focused record..." // Release: Codes and Keys (Atlantic, May 31) // Sounds like: glittering, incandescent and boldly grown-up art/pop from a band not afraid to mix things up...while not a complete 180 in approach, knocking down stylistic walls has added even more depth and sheer exhilaration -- you can't wait to hear what's next // Quote: "[Codes and Keys' lighter songs] are meant to be palate-cleansing moments on the record, but there are also songs ... I feel have a weight and a darkness to them." -- Ben Gibbard // What we like: simply being swept up in the rush as songs like album opener "Home Is A Fire" glide from one stark, impressionistic mood to another...this one may take a listen or two (or three) to indulge in the nuanced, abstract layers and oblique melodies but for those that do, the rewards are great...

Death Cab For Cutie - "Home Is A Fire" (from Codes and Keys)

Death Cab For Cutie - "You Are A Tourist" (from Codes and Keys)

Stream the full album at NPR