Death Cab for Cutie - Asphalt Meadows

Indie Rock – Released September 16, 2022 – 11 songs, 42 mins

REID

Exploring new music hasn’t resulted in much success on my end as of late. You don’t always get a bite when you cast the line. As fun as it is to experience new artists, there’s nothing quite like an old favourite. This week marks TSR’s 81st review with the one and only, Death Cab for Cutie. The five-man American indie rock band returns in 2022 with their tenth studio album, Asphalt Meadows.

The first note jotted down on this one was ‘f*ckin mmmm indie rock.’ Clearly, I had taken too long a break from the genre. Conclusively, the initial run through this album gave an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia. The kind that rolls the clock back a decade in an instant. The melodic, dueling guitars and tasteful piano create that calm, reflective ambiance we’ve come to know and love. The combination with Gibbard’s mysterious lyrics and soothing vocals is truly special. The singer appeared on facebook live during the covid lockdowns to perform. I like to think it was therapeutic for him and there’s no doubt that voice offers a service to many of his fans.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate Gibbard’s songwriting, shall we? Rand McNally stood out early as a favourite so I dug a little to uncover it’s meaning. In an interview with Brilliant Corners Artist Management, Ben stated "This is my life's work. When members leave bands, they're often seminal members. That fans continue to support (the band) is a testament to how important the music is to them. I wanted to write something to and for everyone who has been in this band, who helped make it what it is, to say I'm not going to let the light fade." Separations typically result in hurt feelings, a turn of the page and a push forward. When you take the time to reflect, the experiences you shared with those individuals contributed to the person you are today. This type of ingenuity in his writing raises the bar.

While the synth additions and vocal effects on the opening two tracks and the closer give the album a nice mix, the beauty of the album lies in Death Cab’s tried, tested and true style. The titular track, Here to Forever, Pepper and I Miss Strangers add to the highlights of the eleven songs.

Death Cab warms the soul. They roll back the clock on Asphalt Meadows, giving long-time fans something to chew on. Excuse me while I begin rewatching The OC.

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

Favourite Song: Rand McNally

ROZ

Ahh, highschool. Ahh, emo Roz. We’re talking about someone who could recite almost all of the lyrics from Transatlanticism from memory. The Atlantic was born today, and I’ll tell you how. My God was that album good. Death Cab for Cutie, the indie darlings of the 2000’s, are back at it again with a new album in Asphalt Meadows. The second studio album released since key band member Chris Walla left the ensemble, it leaves one to wonder whether Death Cabs sound will take a turn in another direction. With their new friend and decorated producer John Congleton at the helm, who’s resume certainly speaks for itself, your guess is as good as mine. Let’s get to it.

Production brain inevitably kicks in as the little details of this album shine through, even through the first listen. I Don’t Know How I Survive not only has those contrasting energy shifts that I know and love (which hilariously acted as a jumpscare on my first playthrough, popping me off the couch), it also has subtle characteristics such as the reverberation tails on the vocal track. The little things. A heavily distorted kick drum takes the driver's seat in Roman Candles, coupled with the distorted crunch of the lead guitar. Much like its predecessor, this all serves as a highly effective contrast to Ben Gibbard’s soothing vocal style. Singing of the fleeting moments in life and the agony of feeling stuck in time, one could interpret this song - and many of the songs on Asphalt Meadows - as being within the theme of time passing us all by. 

Multiple songs seem to touch upon the COVID-19 pandemic, but luckily not in a way that fatigues the listener on this very touched upon concept - I Miss Strangers being the most on the nose of the bunch. Death Cab’s bread and butter indie style has not left this new venture with Rand McNally, Here to Forever and Pepper scratching that itch for the older fans such as myself. While most songs harness that wonderful unison of melody, rhythm and vocals, there were certainly one or two blemishes that unfortunately dragged this reviewer's score down. Mainly, Foxglove Through the Clearcut’s introductory narration - which felt a bit too hammed up and stiff, drawing comparison to an amateur spoken word poet at some random open mic. Luckily, this rough patch is eventually overshadowed by the song that comes soon after, with the track's fantastic climax at the end acting as a “we’re sorry for that shit”. Wheat Like Waves’ lyrics portray why you don’t write a song about the Canadian province of Saskatchewan - this one was hard to stomach at times. Once again, this also leads into a generally nice song by the end of it. Nice saves boys, but could have done without.

At this point, I breathe a sigh of relief. A band that I’ve enjoyed throughout my lifetime has put out a new album and it did not disappoint. Keeping true to their roots yet displaying a tinge of color through newer production techniques from the creative mind that is Mr. Congleton, Asphalt Meadows is a polished assortment of tracks that combine the melancholy of Gibbard’s songwriting and voice with an assortment of energies ranging from loud and fast to soft spoken and slow. A nice mixture of the old Death Cab sound with a new and improved production element and an inspired effort from Mr. Gibbard - Asphalt Meadows is a must-listen for fans of the indie rock genre.

Overall Rating: 8.4/10

Favourite Song: I Don't Know How I Survive

LUNDI

Sweet sweet nostalgia. Inject it in my veins. While these days every passing minute seems to result in a further dive into adulthood and the craziness of modern life, fond memories are what keep us whole. Often times the nostalgic feeling is found through stories with friends but music certainly plays a major part for many. This week TSR dives into a band that feeds on that raw human emotion who just so happened to play a major part in my generations younger days. Ladies and gentlemen, Death Cab for Cutie. 

Asphalt Meadows is Death Cab’s 10th (!!!) studio album and as the saying goes, the more things change, the more they stay they same. This album is classic DCFC with its heartbreaking and smart lyrics, layered pianos, ear tingling guitar riffs, and of course Ben Gibbard’s premium vocals (more on that shortly). But Asphalt Meadows is also grander as it introduces some heavier rock aspects and incorporates electronic qualities from Gibbard’s days with The Postal Service. After a fairly lacklustre string of albums through the late 21st century AM unlocks something new that allows the grown adult to feel the emotional impact of college years Death Cab without going back to the naive youthful mindset. It’s a matured effort that makes the listener feel that they’ve grown older directly alongside the band. 

Now as teased above it’s Ben Gibbard appreciation time. Dude is a wordsmith who’s been poetically painting pictures in the minds of listeners for over 20 years. His metaphorical comparisons beg listeners to think deeply and introspectively while he continues to write the heartbreak song like no other. On top of the pure wit filled writing is his fantastic vocal delivery. Gibbard has one of the most recognizable voices in music that simply never sounds bad. His expressiveness and enunciation of certain words deliver a uniqueness that has allowed Death Cab to be successful for so long. Asphalt Meadows is vintage Gibbard and while Death Cab reached their peak many years ago, Gibbard himself has never sounded better. 

Now is Asphalt Meadows Transatlanticism or Plans? Absolutely not, but honestly it doesn’t have to be. The success of those albums was just as much about the timing as it were the quality. It’s admirable what Death Cab have been able to accomplish in their career and while they have rarely wavered from their polished musical formula, they have an immense catalogue of quality music. Despite hundreds of tracks over ten full albums it still feels like the band has something to say on Asphalt Meadows. So often bands run out of reasons to enter the studio, but DCFC still feel sharp as ever. 

Asphalt Meadows is vintage Death Cab for Cutie. Is my enjoyment built on nostalgia? It sure doesn’t hurt, but this is a damn fine album either way. 

Overall Rating: 8.0/10

Favourite Song: Here To Forever