Death Cab for Cutie - Transatlanticism
Transatlanticism, Barsuk [2003]
Their fans call them “Death Cab” for short, and they’re probably one of the few non-metal/hardcore/goth bands with the word “death” in their moniker. Actually, Death Cab are about as different from these styles as you can get while still being called rock. The origin of their name is as obscure as the name itself: “Death Cab for Cutie” was the name of the only song in the movie Yellow Submarine, not performed by the Beatles. Death Cab debuted in 1998 with Something About Airplanes, to much acclaim from indie circles. Their fourth and latest full-length CD, Transatlanticism is probably their best yet.
At their core, they’re a traditional four-piece: innocent-sounding songster Ben Gibbard fronts the band, co-songwriter Christopher Walla plays guitar, and Nathan Good plays bass. Drummer Nick Harmer adds precise, syncopated playing which gives them an overall deeply rhythmic tone. The music is sprinkled with electronic sounds, piano, and orchestral components, but the most distinct characteristic of their sound is Gibbard’s voice. No other indie rock front man quite has the pipes of Ben Gibbard. His voice is soft and sweet with that unmistakable indie geek-quirkiness.
Gibbard’s reflective lyrics tell bittersweet stories of lost love to which most anyone can relate. From sad memories triggered after finding pictures in a glove compartment in “Title and Registration” to a one-sided love affair in “Tiny Vessels,” his lyrics are simple and familiar.
I’m a long-time Death Cab fan, having discovered the now classic, “Photobooth” a few years ago. If you have never heard it, grab a copy of the Forbidden Love EP, on which it appears: it’s well worth the purchase. Transatlanticism is definitely Death Cab’s most mature work to date and I have a feeling that their label, Barsuk knows it. Death Cab are scheduled for two major tours, first to Europe (throughout February), and then back to the US for a cross-country co-headlining tour with Ben Kweller in the spring. If you are or become a fan by then, see them live in Charlottesville and DC April 2nd and 3rd.