Review: Death Cab for Cutie - Codes and Keys
Sunday, May 29, 2011 at 11:02AM 
The buzz surrounding the newest album from Seattle's enigmatic and ever-changing Death Cab for Cutie has been churning since their last release Narrow Stairs. Ben Gibbard and company have been hardpressed by fans to produce an album that can intimately capture the jaded, ponderous, and introspective lyrics of their earlier albums. While the band has matured both lyrically and musically, Codes and Keys is has many strengths and only one real weakness. Musically, the band has grown from (dare I say) standard "indie" to a more composed, almost cross-genre hybrid of electronic sounds and starry-eyed guitar work. Musically, the album is not boring in the slightest however it does have some somber moments for those looking to be moved and it has some poppy moments for those looking to nod their head and twist their hips. Like Narrow Stairs, older fans may gripe at an overproduced sound from a once simpler band. This isn't to say, however, that the band's sound needn't evolve into what it is now. Clearly the members of Death Cab have taken both Narrow Stairs and Codes and Keys as chances to do something new and different with their overall sound. My only gripe with the album at all is the lack of lyrical content. While in my youth I looked forward to Death Cab albums due to their almost painfully honest and evocative lyrics, I can't say I was moved by Codes and Keys as I was with say, Plans or Transatlanticism. Gibbard seems to be slowing down in terms of lyrical creativity, but perhaps he's hit a rut now being a married thirtysomething (which, let's face it, happens). Ultimately the album does not do anything to redefine Death Cab for Cutie, but provides yet another solid stepping stone for fans of the band to take a step towards. The album's strongest songs are the title track "Codes and Keys", along with "Doors Unlocked and Open" and the cheery "Portable Television."
Overall, I score this album at a 7.5/10. It's not quite the Death Cab we all grew up with, but it's not bad either. Truly worth a listen for fans of the band and non-fans alike.
Available Tuesday May 31st.
-Josh Zoerner
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