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death cab transatlanticism

Death Cab For Cutie: Transatlanticism

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by Gareth Dobson
Probably not the best time in the world to be an American indie band really, what with it being all Darkness and Jets round these parts. But that’s never really got in the way of Deathcab; indeed, it seems they have thrived on being, y’know, who they are and doing what they do. Which would sound pretty lame and defeatist if this wasn’t them; y’see, DfC are bloody great.

Fresh from the utterly wonderful The Postal Service (think Deathcab mincing the Pet Shop Boys) side project, this is their fourth and best album to date, and if there’s any justice, it will see them transcend their cult status into something more formidable.

Opener ‘This Is The New Year’ is a call to arms, a shot of freshness and renewed vigour which surfs along crashing drums and perfectly phrased guitars, setting the agenda perfectly. ‘Sound Of Settling’ breezes along like summer never left us, and the eponymously-titled centre piece track is seven minutes of crescendo-ing beauty.

Grand without ever being bloated, humane without settling into pessimism, the best indie band in North America remind us why sometimes, the rewards do not equal the output. That’s for you to change.

  • Death Cab For Cutie 8 / 10

dcfc

im listening to them now :)
okay, not that album but theyre darn good.

Re: dcfc

For one lovely moment there I thought you meant Dream City Film Club... oh well, was nice while it lasted.

pretty sure..

that's their 4th album, not 3rd. (Something About Airplanes, We Have The Facts And We're Voting Yes, The Photo Album & this one). but nice to see some positive coverage :D

transatlanticism

boring, boring, and more boring. A few songs are good, but the edge or "modest mouse/built to spill factor" is gone and now its just pop--no more heartstopping, original melodies to go along with the incredibly witty lyrics. Granted, lightness is really good. But where is "styrofoam plates", the "405", or "why youde want to live here"--its an ok album, its just missing alot of what DCFC was. This album isnt pop enough to be jimmy eat world or fountains of wayne, and all indie fans like myself feel alienated because its just not indie rock.


Re: transatlanticism

it's a good album... but they've definitely gone downhill since 'we have the facts' - the arrangements aren't as interesting and the lyrics have gone a bit dull. certainly not as good a record as the Postal Service one :)

Re: transatlanticism

huh. i think it's ace. och well.

Re: transatlanticism

postal service?!?!? great sound, but the lyrics are for 14 year olds!! I guess its better than transatlanticism, but I wouldnt say its great. Anyway, the lyrics really arent as good, youre right. I miss "crashing through the parlor doors, what was your first reaction..."

Some of this is clever, but just isnt my fav. It does not deserve some of the reviews its been getting.

Re: transatlanticism

guess i'm kinda biased because i was the one who gave it a glowing review on this site, but... to start with, the lyrics ain't that bad; they range from the complex to the stingingly direct: "i want to take you from the cynics in this town and kiss you on the mouth." also, the melodies are perfectly formed, and the production is better than on any pop record this year. each to their own though...

Re: transatlanticism

just thought i'd better make clear that i'm talking about 'Give Up' - which is wonderful, and not 'Transatlanticism', which is merely good...

Re: transatlanticism

i completely agree the sound and production on 'give up' is fantastic. However, I am partial to the new wrens for this year's record...

Re: transatlanticism

...now THAT is a great record. possibly perfect in every way...

Re: transatlanticism

neil_r you are SO right! :)

I'm a big Death Cab fan, i reckon this album is one of their best yet

Re: transatlanticism

Lack of color is great