Death Cab for Cutie

Editor's Review:

On The Photo Album, Seattle's (actually Bellingham) Death Cab For Cutie offer a refreshingly straightforward and pleasant brand of indie-pop, successfully restraining themselves from the rocking antics that have begun to permeate the genre. Benjamin Gibbard's vocals seem to be almost kindly in their delivery like a man gently talking to a child. Even in moments of musical dynamism, like the uptempo "Why You'd Want to Live Here," and the bordering on rock, "We Laugh Indoors," Gibbard maintains his gentleness. This restraint is also noticeably present in the music, which by no means suffers any ill effects from this lack of intensity. In fact, one of the most endearing qualities of The Photo Album is just this: Death Cab For Cutie has a unique ability to underplay in just the right way. Although often compared to their indie brethren such as Modest Mouse and Built to Spill, Death Cab For Cutie are seemingly less interested in complexity for the sake of complexity, and more interested in a damn good song. "Movie Script Ending," is a fine example of this, from the opening drum and guitar line to the sing-song chorus, it's obvious that Death Cab For Cutie are a pop band with a little bit of an artistic steak. No matter what genre you assign it to, The Photo Album, is quite simply an all-around solid album. If you enjoy more introspective pop-music, or if want a little more Jimmy and less Eat World, definitely check out The Photo Album.
- Daniel Taylor


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Record Label Barsuk Records Released October 2001

Tracks Steadier Footing A Movie Script Ending We laugh Indoors Information Travel Faster Why'd You Want To Live Here Blacking Out The Friction I was A Kaleidoscope Styrofoam Plates Coney Island Debate Exposes Doubt