Death Cab for Cutie
Codes and Keys
(Atlantic Records)

For the hottest indie music, many look to Death Cab for Cutie to see what this massive band will do. Their latest release, Codes and Keys, differs slightly from the sound that the band is known for, but will likely keep many fans appeased.

The album does have a different sound than the usual guitar noise; there isn’t as much emotional singing that tugs at the heartstrings. However, there is a lot of interest in what the album presents. “Portable Television,” for example, features a bit of a vaudeville sound. The track features a sing-a-long and strange lyrics, but you can’t stop yourself from listening all the way through. While not something you might expect from the band, the song is still quality. “Underneath the Sycamore” is a classic Death Cab for Cutie song featuring bouncy melodies, lovely lyrics and warmth. This song could have easily fit on the band’s previous album, Something About Airplanes. “Home Is A Fire” is a quiet, lo-fi sounding track. While it isn’t the strongest on the album, it is the most unique, with a sound that mixes Bon Iver with Radiohead. “St. Peter’s Cathedral” has a similar, unique sound, incorporating more of a big rock sound than does their prior work.

Overall, Death Cab for Cutie fans will love this album as another piece of work from the band. However, if you’re not a fan already, this might not be the album to sell you on the band.