Death Cab for Cutie is an American indie rock band formed in Bellingham, Washington in 1997. The band began as a solo project of singer-songwriter Ben Gibbard, whose earnest and emotive songwriting quickly resonated with indie music fans. It wasn’t long before Gibbard expanded the project into a full band, enlisting guitarist/producer Chris Walla, bassist Nick Harmer, and drummer Jason McGerr into the fold. Their name was taken from the title of a song performed by the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band in The Beatles' 1967 film "Magical Mystery Tour."

The band's early releases, including the critically acclaimed album "Transatlanticism," cemented their reputation as torchbearers of the indie genre, earning them a passionate following. Death Cab for Cutie reached further mainstream success with their 2005 major-label debut, "Plans," which includes hits like "Soul Meets Body" and "I Will Follow You into the Dark." The band has continually evolved while maintaining a distinctive, melodic indie rock sound that's characterized by Gibbard's contemplative lyrics and an often wistful musical sentimentality. Over the years, they've shown a knack for atmospheric compositions and intricate storytelling.

Their more recent releases, like "Asphalt Meadows" and its acoustic version, as well as EPs like "The Blue EP" and "The Georgia EP," showcase the band's sustained ability to blend poetic introspection with evocative soundscapes. The remixes and acoustic renditions of songs like "Northern Lights" and "I Dreamt We Spoke Again" exemplify the band's continuous experimentation and engagement with the changing textures of contemporary music, while tracks such as "Kids in '99" pay homage to historic events, proving that Death Cab for Cutie's music often intersects with broader social narratives.

Genres

Alternative Rock

Chamber Pop

Indie Rock

Indietronica

Modern Alternative Rock

Modern Rock

Seattle Indie

Washington Indie

Related Artists

The Postal Service

The Shins

Modest Mouse

Silversun Pickups

Benjamin Gibbard

The Decemberists

Bright Eyes

Band of Horses

Cold War Kids

Spoon

Iron & Wine

Passion Pit

Latest Release

An Arrow In The Wall

Death Cab for Cutie

Single - Released August 16, 2023