After years of only a cult following of devoted listeners, the band Death Cab for Cutie finally emerges from the shadows. Both new and old fans anxiously awaited the arrival of their newest album. Through a mix of lead singer Ben Gibbard’s great vocals and heart- wrenching lyrics, along with guitarist Chris Walla’s skills, Plans is an emotionally moving album.
Plans contains a reoccurring theme throughout the album of mortality and how to cope with loss. This is clear by the evidently death-related ballad “I Will Follow You Into the Dark”, and the more subtle “Someday You Will Be Loved”. The album’s lyrics and vocals combined with hauntingly beautiful melodies will touch your heart. The track “Brothers on a Hotel Bed” looks at relationships and how they can slowly deteriorate over time. In the painfully tragic “What Sarah Said”, a man waits in a hospital for the woman he loves, who is evidently near death. Gibbard’s lyrics take you into the mind of someone who has just experienced a tragedy.
There are some songs with a more upbeat tune and positive idea of passing on. Giving the afterlife a peaceful feeling, where one can “cleanse” himself and become something better, “Soul Meets Body” not only glows through it’s lyrics, but also through the energetic drum beat and vibrant guitar melodies. In addition, “Crooked Teeth” is another upbeat number that can be found in Plans. The combination of Chris Walla’s excellent rhythm and Ben Gibbard’s catchy lyrics makes the track quite likable. |
