Death Cab For Cutie have always been a band on the cutting edge of alt/rock music since they hit the scene in 1997. Ben Gibbard has provided the signature vocals to what has become a staple in any alternative music library. Their live show mixed with the building chorus of their music is something I believe everyone should experience in their lifetime.

Saying all of that, I feel like the album “Codes and Keys” is a bit of a let down. Their 7^th studio album is less about substance than it is about putting out a hastily put together album. It begins with the opening track “Home Is a Fire” and continues throughout the album. Only the first single, “You Are A Tourist” grabs any semblance of relevancy, but does so with a weak grasp.

The album continues its meager journey of patronizing pretentiousness with songs like “Underneath The Sycamore” and “Stay Young, Go Dancing.” The structures of all of these songs are not surprising nor are they groundbreaking. They just exist. If Death Cab For Cutie would like to separate you from your money to invest in their band, they may want to go back and re-think this one. It’s one of the worst releases that Ben Gibbard has put out and I’m severely disappointed. I’m sure your Mother said the same thing my Mother used to say to me, “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say it at all.” The same could be said about releasing an album. If it’s no good, maybe you shouldn’t release it. If I had to give it a scale from 1-10 I would give it a 4/10. There are one or two tracks that save this from being a complete disaster. 

-JC