Transatlanticism

Like a slightly more aggressive snow patrol. Was hoping it would be more emo, but I appreciated your choice none the less.

An enjoyable serious indie guitar album. Good songs. Brings to mind Embrace if they had better singing voices.

A crime I haven’t listened to this one all the way through - only knew ‘Sound of Settling’ because it was a free track on Tap Tap Revenge all the way back in 2008. It’s clear to see why this is one of Death Cab’s highest-regarded LPs in an already storied discography. The album bursts vibrantly to life from the opening track, and doesn’t really let up until about 3/4 of the way through. Gibbard’s layered sonfwriting and the band’s punchy yet lush instrumentals are turned up to the max here, reaching an energy level usually not present in the project’s output. The whole thing does drop off hard after the auditory stream runs out, but the LP is so front-loaded with amazing tracks that the whole thing coasts to the end on its momentum. A fun, invigorating listen, and an album I’ll be returning to for sure.

I thought these guys were emo. Instead they're just boring rock. Inoffensive, predictable chord progressions and lyrics. Dreary. 2/5.

Yeah, sure. I think it gives a very nostalgic experience that I enjoy quite a bit, but probably wanted just a hair more diversity in the record.

What a throwback! I had a period where I listened to Death Cab a lot, but had forgotten them. Now listening to this album, I realise what I loved about them again! His voice is so recognizeable, and the lyrics are sombre, but kinda hopefull.

God, I love this band. Especially when they play live. Then they are at their best. But what a great album. Not single bad song on it and all so different. Great achievement, with also great songs as The New Year, Transatlanticism and We Looked Like Giants.

One of my all time faves. So impressive how Ben Gibbart is able to add lyrics about everyday but oh-so recognizable topics to each of these songs. It just clicks on so many levels. Familiar in a way like you were actually friends with this guy back in highschool, eperiencing the same things, dealing with the same trivial issues. Death Cab are also one of the most solid live acts I've seen in my life. Easy 5 stars for this one.

8/10. Good choice to help get the list into the 21st century, if only barely.

I assume this means more to Millennials a few years older than me, Plans was my album

A super soft album from some super soft boys

In my wheelhouse for sure, but I'll take Built To Spill for this sort of thing.

it's fine, i guess...

Heyy I know this one! Transatlanticism at least Not that interesting to me 3

Haven't listened to Death Cab for Cutie in quite a while, good to revisit them! Very nice album. 4 stars.

Nothing happened to me with this album, I listened to it and suddenly forgot I was listening to it. Sorry

Always aware of this band as a thing without any sense of what they're about or sound like. Pretty sure I had this same experience with them with an album on the main list and clearly didn't make an impression that stuck. It's decent music but it feels too studio-assembled to me, layered and sweetened and punched up into the typical post-rock sonic sludge. Happy to listen to it but it just doesn't leave a lasting imprint.

Transatlanticism may not have the hits I recall, but it's immediately a standout object. Death Cab's writing - lyrical and melodic - is as always, and the music lines sit in the weird middle ground between Gibbard's voice and the low end. That makes them not quite basslines, not quite jangle pop. Déjà vu guitar lines, thematizing time and its loss.

The greatest indie album from the greatest indie band of all time. Instant 5/5.