Seattle, WA · indie rock

Death Cab for Cutie

2 upcoming festivals

Indie rock's tender institution — twenty-five years of songs that hurt nicely, from 'Transatlanticism' devastation to elder-statesman grace.

Death Cab for Cutie began in Bellingham, Washington in 1997 as a solo recording project by Ben Gibbard before becoming a full band, with Chris Walla producing their early records. Their sound rests on Gibbard's plainspoken, detail-heavy lyrics and a clean, melodic guitar-pop framework that has ranged from lo-fi indie rock to fuller, more layered studio arrangements.

Transatlanticism, released in 2003, remains their best-known record and helped move the band from independent releases to a major label. Gibbard has also recorded as half of the electronic pop duo The Postal Service. The group has continued releasing albums and touring with Gibbard as the constant member through several lineup changes.

indie rock