Indie legends Death Cab For Cutie, out of Bellingham, WA recently released their long anticipated follow up to Narrow Stairs, titled Codes and Keys.  The title of the record is derived from the second track.  Though fans were told not expect a guitar driven record, the result still features guitar prominently albeit in a less central way that is difficult to explain without experiencing Codes and Keys for oneself.  The record is peppy in a classic Death Cab sort of way.  That is, peppy does not mean cheery. Haunting, introspective, and surreal would better describe Codes and Keys.

The lead track, “Home is a Fire” is reminiscent of something one would find on a MuteMath record.  That is, brooding bass lines and drum kicks accentuate prolific vocals.  Further highlights are found in “You Are a Tourist” and “Underneath the Sycamore”, two of the most radio friendly tracks on the record (the former which is already a single). “Unobstructed Views” features a long three minute instrumental, vaguely reminiscent of “I Will Possess Your Heart” off of Narrow Stairs.  The haunting six minute opus marks the halfway point of the album.  What the second half of the record lacks in thoughtful experimentation it makes up for in accessibility and that classic mix of rainy, melancholy, yet sometimes upbeat Death Cab its fans love.  One would be privileged to check out the video for “You Are a Tourist,” a very aesthetically trippy yet well choreographed video impressively filmed in one take.  In summary, Codes and Keys showcases the evolution of Death Cab well, and stands alone as an engaging record.

Score: 4/5