Codes and Keys, the new release from indie band Death Cab for Cuties, was released on May 31st. Upon hearing the release of this new album, I was very intrigued because I have not heard their songs since their platinum selling album, Plans, which was released in 2005.
Death Cab is mostly known for a signature, laid-back indie style music. This new album is no exception to that. It is, however, somewhat different in that “It’s not a guitar-based record,” as stated by lead singer Ben Gabbard. With this in mind,the majority of songs on the album featured guitars in small roles; keyboards, pianos, synthesizers, strings and drums are the prominent instruments. An element of electronic music was also used in a way that is similar to Ben’s other band, The Postal Service. In doing so, the album is still able to maintain that calm, peaceful style that the band’s songs are known to have.
“Home is on fire,” the album’s opening track, features a prominent top-hat beat, single notes played by guitar, and a soft, hypnotic, distorted vocal line thereby creating a soft, peaceful yet distinguishable atmosphere. The following track, “Codes and Keys,” incorporates a louder, more rhythmic approach with a more amplified, regular drum beat, a piano background, and a main melody that is played by strings. “Doors Unlocked and Open” would be one of the songs on the album that is of the standard guitar-oriented style, with a vocal line that reminiscences Jack White of The White Stripes.
Lyrically, the album focuses on themes that are closely related to society, to the lyricist’s personal life and his idealistic desires. “Some Boys” describes some of the modern teenage male stereotypical traits (“They don’t ask for permission, they lack inhibitions…joylessly flinging with the girls that they’re bringing to their rooms, and then leave them, they’re through”) but also points out that “Some boys don’t know how to love.” The poetic and lyrical “Underneath The Sycamore” talks about finding one’s soul mate, possibly referring to Ben’s wife, as sycamores are a type of very large trees and is metaphorical for a strong, long relationship. As the title suggests, “Stay Young, Go Dancing” talks about how youth should always stay optimistic and not let things bring them down.
Overall, the album still retains the poetic lyrics, care-free sound and sophisticated song-writing while experimenting on a new sound that deviates away from the traditional and somewhat dull guitar-oriented sounds. Nevertheless, props to Death Cab for being innovative while still retaining their style and sound.
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