Though it’s a return to form for the band, Kintsugi falters is in its sacrifice of momentum for structure.
Thanks in no small part to Death Cab, there’s now a permanent niche for indie pop that’s smart, sad, and refined, and Codes and Keys fills it nicely.
On the surprisingly tepid Narrow Stairs, the boys of Death Cab for Cutie seem to have tired somewhat of being themselves.
Newcomers looking for a solid indie-pop record would be better served picking up Death Cab’s last album.
Ben Gibbard ardently builds castles in the sky because everything looks perfect from far away.
Transatlanticism attempts to negotiate the expanse of a long-distance (or distant, or deceased) relationship.