Death Cab for Cutie
“Riptides”
ANTI- Records
On their new album, Death Cab for Cutie isn’t wasting anyone’s time. At a crisp 11 songs clocking in at 38 minutes, it’s a quick listen -- same as an episode of award-winning television.
It plays out like a prestige drama, too.
After 22 years, the Seattle band ditched their longtime record label Atlantic and signed with ANTI-. Songwriter and lead singer Ben Gibbard recently went through a divorce and poured those emotions into this album, including the stand-out single “Riptides,” which shocked me when I first heard it.
It felt like vintage Death Cab for Cutie, a band I grew up with. It was personal for Gibbard. It was personal for me because I’ve been listening to this band damn near my entire adult life. We’ve grown up together. So, like everything they release, it’s under a bit of scrutiny. Any relationship like that is going to need some vulnerability to make it.
Gibbard, per usual, gets personal with his lyrics.
These days
I say goodbye without opening my mouth
I just stare into the distance 'til you figure it out
'Cause I feel
As invested as a border guard
Who's seen too many people leaving to take it to heart
Musically, this song will feel like throwback Cutie, too. It’s crisp, simple and catchy; at this point, you could use them as the definition of indie rock. Maybe they invented it – the natural evolution of Midwest emo from the 1990s turning into something more polished and twee, which is the perfect bedding for Gibbard’s words (always the star of the show).
They’re a band growing up and looking back. As fans, we’re reaping the rewards of their best (and most honest) work in years.
