Death Cab for Cutie returns with seventh studio album Codes and Keys
The wait is over for Death Cab for Cutie fans as the indie band has returned with their seventh studio album Codes and Keys. Those who have longed to hear the soothing sounds from the group are certainly in for a treat as guitarist and producer Chris Walla has delivered another successful album. Codes and Keys was recorded in eight different studios where the band had a two- week time span per studio. In a recent interview with NPR, the group stated that the album isn't as heavily centered on the guitar as their previous albums, but instead they had a consistent use of vintage keyboards.
During the recording of the album, vocalist and guitarist Ben Gibbard stated to NME magazine, "We're not adding guitars because people are expecting them. We're so proud of this album at this point I don't care if people don't like it."
"Home is a Fire," the first track off the record, sounds similar to songs from Radiohead's latest album The King of Limbs due to the interesting effects and use of the keyboard that can be heard throughout the songs' entirety. But the similarities stop at the title track "Codes and Keys" where the band delves back into their origin with smooth bass lines and Gibbard's haunting lyrics.
These smooth bass lines can also be heard on "Doors Unlocked," the fourth track that contains a lengthy intro, as well as a melody that will be hard to get out of one's head. "I Will Posses Your Heart," a song from 2008's Narrow Stairs, is somewhat reflected in "Doors Unlocked" as both songs sound greatly alike.
Unlike their groundbreaking record Transatlanticism, known to be a soother for those mourning a break up, Codes and Keys could very well be a branch off of Narrow Stairs. With tracks like "Monday Morning," and "Portable Television," it's hard not to make the connection between the albums as both share a lighter, happier attitude compared to their previous albums.
The final track "Stay Young, Go Dancing," features Gibbard's actress and singer wife Zooey Deschanel. The best aspect of this song is that it sounds as if it was a Beatles or Bob Dylan song. The instruments are enticing, and hearing the vocals of both Gibbard and Deschanel throughout the song makes it one of the best tracks on the album.
Death Cab for Cutie is one of the few bands in the competitive indie scene that have consistently put out appealing and relatable albums over the years. The band has already made a line up of North American tour dates, most of which have sold out because any Death Cab fan would be crazy to miss it. Due to their success, their fan following has increased greatly over the years and will continue to do so with this album.